Rob Burrow dies aged 41 as Leeds Rhinos mourn rugby league legend

Rugby league icon Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41, Leeds Rhinos have announced.

Burrow won eight Super League titles during his time with Leeds and was diagnosed with motor neurone disease two years after his retirement in 2019.

He was also known for his incredible charity work with the former scrum-half and hooker handed an MBE in 2021, which was upgraded to a CBE earlier this year.

‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,’ the Burrow family said in a statement.

‘Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease).

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‘He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.

‘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 over the last four-and-a-half years 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.’

Leeds Rhinos added: ‘On behalf of the Burrow family, we would like to thank the staff at Pindersfield Hospital for their compassion and caring for Rob in his final days.

‘Fittingly, as a tribute to the incredible work done by Rob, the groundbreaking new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital on Monday will go ahead as planned at Rob’s request. At this time, we would ask that everyone respect the privacy of the Burrow family.

‘Well wishers who wish to pay their respects to Rob can do so in the South Stand at Rob’s beloved Headingley Stadium, with the gates open from Sunday evening for visitors to come.’