Tributes have flooded in after rugby league great Rob Burrow died aged 41.
Burrow’s tragic death was announced on Sunday night by his former club Leeds Rhinos, who described him as a “true inspiration throughout his life”.
He 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.
During his five-year battle with the debilitating disease, Burrow worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honors List in 2021 for his services to MND and sport.
Burrow spent his entire club career with Leeds and made over 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017. He also represented England and Great Britain.
Rugby league legend Rob Burrow has died aged 41, Leeds Rhinos have announced
Burrow (pictured with his wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honors List
He was diagnosed with MND just two years after retiring from his 17-season playing career.
The England Rugby League wrote in X alongside photographs of Burrow representing his nation: “For club and country.” RIP Rob Burrow CBE.’
The Rugby Football League added a longer statement saying: “Rob Burrow was an outstanding Rugby League player, for club and country.” Since December 2019, his bravery and humanity, united with those of his family, friends and former Leeds Rhinos teammates, led by Kevin Sinfield CBE, have transcended the sport.
“We send our love, support and sympathy to Lindsey, the children, Geoff and Irene, and the rest of their family, and pay tribute to a Rugby League hero.”
England Rugby posted a touching tribute to X, writing: ‘A true champion.
‘The thoughts of everyone at England Rugby are with the family and friends of Rob Burrow, who sadly passed away at the age of 41.
“Rest in peace, Rob.”
A statement released by Leeds on behalf of his family said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.”
‘Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND.
‘He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
Burrow is pictured with his wife Lindsey before the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 12.
‘The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the entire Burrow family have received over the past four and a half years meant a lot to Rob.
“In particular, the Rugby League family and MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him. Thank you for your support.”
They concluded the moving statement by adding: ‘He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
Castleford Tigers said: ‘Castleford Tigers are saddened to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow. “Our thoughts are with the Burrow family, @leedsrhinos and the Rugby League and wider MND community at this time.”
Hull KR wrote their own message saying: ‘Hull KR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE today. “Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Rob’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Burrow is considered a Leeds icon, not just on the rugby field, and Leeds United paid him a well-deserved tribute on Sunday night.
The club posted on X: ‘Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family and friends, everyone at Leeds Rhinos and the MND community at this incredibly sad time. RIP Legend.’
Burrow and close friend Kevin Sinfield, his former Leeds team-mate, were appointed CBE in the 2024 New Year Honors after a surprise visit from Prince William and have raised more than £15 million for MND charities since diagnosis of Burrow.
Prince William, Prince of Wales, made a surprise visit to award Burrow a CBE this year.
Burrow won eight Super League titles during his illustrious club career at Leeds Rhinos.
He is survived by his wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson.
TV presenter Dan Walker posted on
Piers Morgan, for his part, called it “incredibly sad news.”
He posted on X: ‘An extraordinary man who fought miserable motor neurone disease with so much courage, strength and determination. He raised so much money, raised so much awareness, and helped so many other people. RIP Rob.’
The Motor Neurone Disease Association said: “It is testament to the strength of feeling people have for Rob that support on his behalf has never wavered.”
“The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND and funds for the association, by sharing the details of their journey and inspiring so many people within the MND community.”
