Rugby league legend Rob Burrow has died aged 41, Leeds Rhinos have announced.
Eight-time Super League winner Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) two years after retiring following a playing career spanning 17 seasons.
“Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against motor neurone disease since his diagnosis in December 2019,” Leeds said.
“He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital, near his home surrounded by his loving family, after becoming ill earlier this week.
It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
More here https://t.co/Lp2EcIu7ws pic.twitter.com/kyq6Er0FEp— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 2, 2024
“Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
“A hard-working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.”
Burrow, who also played for England and Great Britain, worked closely with former Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield to raise funds and support the MND community.
Leeds confirmed that a new centre for MND in Leeds named after Burrow will be opened as planned in his honour on Monday.
Burrow is survived by wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson, who called him a “true inspiration”.
“He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more,” a family statement added.
“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four-and-a-half years 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.
“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND came as no surprise.
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just found his own way of doing 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.”
