Former England and Leeds rhinos rugby league player Rob Burrow died at the age of 41 after a long-term struggle with motor neuron disease.
Burrow, who made 493 appearances for Leeds and was capped 15 times for his country, raised millions of pounds alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield for various MND charities and the Rob Burrow Center for MND Appeal in Leeds following his diagnosis in 2019.
He was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honors List for his services to Rugby League and the motor neurone disease community, after spending his years with the disease campaigning for more research into the condition and improved conditions of care for people living with suffer from ALS.
Key points
Sunak: Burrow was an inspiration
19:13 , Matt Mathers
Rishi Sunak said Burrow was “an inspiration to everyone” as he paid tribute to him.
He wrote on X: “Rob was an inspiration to everyone who met him or heard his incredible story. Last year I had the honor of spending some time with him.
“He organized a fundraising campaign that supports important new research to improve care for others – not least through the establishment of The Rob.”
Starmer: Burrow leaves behind an incredible legacy
19:10 , Matt Mathers
Sir Keir Starmer said Rob Burrow leaves behind an “incredible legacy” as he paid tribute to the former rugby player.
He wrote on X: “Extremely sad news.
“Rob leaves an incredible legacy in his work to raise awareness and advocate for people with motor neurone diseases.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”
Millions raised for charity
19:04 , Matt Mathers
In addition to his illustrious rugby league career, Burrow’s legacy will also include massive fundraising for the MND community with the help of great friend and former teammate Sinfield.
Sinfield, who has been the defense coach of the England rugby team, has raised more than £8 million for various MND causes after undertaking numerous running and endurance challenges in Burrow’s honour.
Announced diagnosis in 2019
19:02 , Matt Mathers
After retiring in 2017, Burrow announced his ALS diagnosis in December 2019.
As his condition worsened, Burrow continued to represent a public face for those diagnosed with the condition, while advocating for greater investment in the treatment of the condition and care facilities for those diagnosed.
He was the focus of the BBC’s award-winning documentary Rob Burrow: Living with ALSwhich told the story of Burrow’s deteriorating condition as the former athlete continued to overcome his two-year life expectancy with MND in 2022, along with the support of his wife and children Lindsey and his three children, Macy, Maya and Jackson.
One of the most decorated players in Super League history
18:58 , Matt Mathers
Burrow made his professional debut for Leeds Rhinos in 2001 against Hull FC before going on to enjoy a trophy-laden career with the Yorkshire club.
Despite standing at just 6ft 4in, the former scrum-half would go on to form an integral part of the Rhinos squad in the 2000s and 2010s, scoring 198 tries in 493 games during a 16-year spell at the club he became one of the most decorated players in Super League history.
After winning his first Super League championship in 2004, Burrow would win the championship a further seven times in his career. He also won two Challenge Cups with Leeds in 2014 and 2015 and was twice awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy – for a man-of-the-match performance in the Super League final – in 2007 and 2011.
In addition to his club career, Burrow also made fifteen appearances for England, scoring twelve tries and appearing in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
Burrow announced his retirement in 2017 and made his final appearance as a substitute in the 2017 Super League Grand Final as Leeds Rhinos won 24–6 against Castleford. He later became the sixteenth inductee into the Leeds Rhino’s Hall of Fame in 2020.
Burrow played 493 times for Leeds and won 15 caps for his country
18:57 , Matt Mathers
Burrow, who made 493 appearances for Leeds and was capped 15 times for his country, raised millions of pounds alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield for various MND charities and the Rob Burrow Center for MND Appeal in Leeds following his diagnosis in 2019.
He was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honors List for his services to Rugby League and the motor neurone disease community, after spending his years with the disease campaigning for more research into the condition and improved conditions of care for people living with suffer from ALS.
Rhinos: He was a real inspiration
6:55 PM , Matt Mathers
Leeds Rhinos have paid tribute to Burrows, describing him as a “real inspiration”.
The club said in a statement: “It is with great 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 field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease).
“He never let others define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more. The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the entire Burrow family have received over the past four and a half years has meant so much to Rob. In particular, the rugby league family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.
“To those who have known Rob all his life, his determination and perseverance in the face of ALS over the past four and a half years has come as no surprise. Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just found his own way to do it better than anyone else.
“He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”
Rob Burrows dies at age 41
6:50 PM , Matt Mathers
Tributes are pouring in for former Leeds Rhinos and England rugby league player Rob Burrow.
Burrow, who made 493 appearances for Leeds and was capped 15 times for his country, raised millions of pounds alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield for various MND charities and the Rob Burrow Center for MND Appeal in Leeds following his diagnosis in 2019.
He passed away peacefully at home with his family after becoming ill earlier this week.
Full report:
Rob Burrow: Inspirational rugby league star dies after battle with MND