- England fans pay tribute to Rob Burrow before friendly against Bosnia
- Minutes before kick-off there was applause for the legend at St James’ Park
- The former rugby star’s death was announced on Sunday after a battle with the MND.
England fans at St James’ Park took a moment before Monday’s international friendly to pay tribute to Rob Burrows following his death.
Burrow’s tragic death was announced on Sunday night by his former club Leeds Rhinos, aged 41.
The former rugby star was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career in which he won eight Super League titles.
Since his death, tributes have been paid by former teammates, fans and several prominent figures inside and outside the world of sport.
Before kick-off, the England team paid their own tribute to the man, with a round of applause a few minutes before the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fans at St James’ Park paid tribute to Rob Burrow before England’s friendly against Bosnia
Burrow’s impact was so great that it spread to all sports and football paid tribute before the game.
Rob Burrow died on Sunday after suffering from motor neurone disease since 2019
As those on the ground applauded the rugby legend, the English band could be heard playing ‘There’s only Rob Burrow’ during the tribute.
On screens around the stadium, an image of Burrow lying on the field reflected the sadness of his death.
Introducing Channel 4’s coverage of the game, presenter Jules Breach said: “The crowd are taking a moment to pay tribute to Rob Burrow, who sadly passed away yesterday.”
“Rob’s brilliant career on the field and his courageous battle with motor neurone disease are equally inspiring and he will be greatly missed by fans of all sports.”
Rugby will pay its own tribute to Burrow ahead of the men’s and women’s Challenge Cup finals this weekend.
There will be a minute of silence before the final and applause in the seventh minute of the matches.
Burrow enjoyed a 17-year rugby league career in which he won eight Super League titles.
He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honors List in 2021 for his services to MND and sport.
Players will wear black armbands and there are plans to lay floral tributes under rugby league statutes outside Wembley.
A sea of floral tributes were already laid just hours after Burrow’s death outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium as fans sent their own messages of condolence to their club legend.
Since being diagnosed with the condition, Burrow has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of MND, to the extent that he was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his services to advocacy and to sport generally.
