Rugby Legend Rob Burrow Dies at 41 After Battling Motor Neurone Disease

Rugby league fans and the motor neurone disease (MND) community are mourning the loss of Rob Burrow, a former Leeds Rhinos player, who passed away on June 2, 2024, at the age of 41. Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and lived with the disease for four and a half years, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Burrow spent his entire professional rugby league career with Leeds Rhinos, making 492 appearances and scoring 196 tries. He won eight Grand Final victories, including Man of the Match awards in 2007 and 2011. His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was awarded a CBE by HRH Prince William in January 2023.

After his diagnosis, Burrow became a passionate advocate for people with MND. He publicly announced his diagnosis and used his platform to raise awareness through media interviews, documentaries, and public appearances. He participated in two BBC documentaries, "My Year With MND" and "Rob Burrow: Living With MND," and became the first person to use a communications aid to read a bedtime story on CBeebies.

Burrow's battle with MND inspired significant fundraising efforts. Alongside his former teammate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow helped raise nearly £20 million for MND charities across the UK and Ireland. Over £6 million of these funds were dedicated to the construction of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds. Sinfield's efforts included running seven ultra-marathons in seven days, raising more than £7 million for MND charities.

Tributes have poured in for Burrow from the rugby community and beyond. The MND Association expressed their appreciation, stating, "We will be forever thankful. Our thoughts are with Rob's family, friends, and fans." Leeds Rhinos released a statement saying, "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 that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND."

Burrow's legacy extends beyond his impressive career on the field. His relentless spirit, both in his sporting life and his fight against MND, will continue to inspire and uplift countless individuals. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital will proceed as planned on Monday, as per Burrow's wishes.

Rob Burrow is survived by his wife Lindsey and their three children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, but fans and well-wishers can pay their respects to Rob at the South Stand at Headingley Stadium.

Rob Burrow's passing marks the end of an era for rugby league, but his legacy will endure through his contributions to the sport and his tireless advocacy for MND awareness and research.

Key Takeaways

• Rob Burrow, former Leeds Rhinos player, dies at 41 after 4.5-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
• Burrow made 492 appearances, scored 196 tries, and won 8 Grand Final victories with Leeds Rhinos.
• He raised nearly £20 million for MND charities, including £6 million for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.
• Burrow was awarded a CBE by HRH Prince William in 2023 for his contributions to rugby league and MND awareness.
• His legacy extends beyond his sporting career, inspiring countless individuals with his spirit and advocacy for MND research.