Century triumphs in 11-way auction for rugby star Sinfield’s ‘inspirational’ autobiography

Century has won rugby union star Kevin Sinfield’s "inspirational" autobiography in an 11-way auction.

Publishing director Ben Brusey bought world rights to The Extra Mile, co-written by five-times Sports Writer of the Year Paul Hayward, from Ruth Cairns at Featherstone Cairns. It will be published on 25th May 2023. Sinfield will read the audiobook.

The publisher describes The Extra Mile as “the memoir of one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, who in recent years has shown heroism of a very different kind through his selfless and extraordinary fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the terminal illness that has affected his best mate and former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow”.

Its synopsis continues: “Sinfield’s epic challenges have included running seven marathons in seven days and running over 101 miles in 24 hours. In the process, Sinfield has captured the hearts of the nation and raised nearly £5 million for MND."

It goes on: “Told with Sinfield’s characteristic warmth, dry wit and inspirational leadership, The Extra Mile is the story of an astonishing life, of an enduring friendship, of perseverance against the most difficult of challenges, and of a remarkable, humble human being who has defied the odds. The book equips readers with the tools and the mindset to embrace togetherness and to overcome their own challenges. It leaves the reader with the urgent question: Who would you go the extra mile for to help in life?”

Sinfield, a former England captain who won seven Super League titles, three World Cup Challenges and two Challenge Cups in 521 matches for his club the Leeds Rhinos, said: “I’m proud of this book and I hope readers enjoy it too. It spans my life and career – rugby to now. Through my challenges, I’ve wanted the MND community, whose stories and pain are horrific, to smile in my discomfort. I’ve wanted to give them a glow inside that I’ve been willing to go through it. I hope this book can continue to share awareness about this terrible disease. And more broadly, I hope this book can help readers to conquer the challenges in their own lives. We can all go the extra mile.”

Brusey commented: “I couldn’t be prouder to publish such an outstanding human being as Kevin Sinfield. The Extra Mile is no ordinary sports memoir. But Kevin Sinfield is no ordinary sportsman. His memoir is a beacon of hope and a story of superhuman courage. It will move readers to tears whilst making them marvel at the resilience of the human spirit. Publication next May will be a national publishing event and The Extra Mile is destined to become a future classic.”