Burrow’s death was announced on Sunday evening via a statement from his family and his former club Leeds Rhinos.
Tributes have been pouring in for the former scrum-half and hooker who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after his retirement.
Since then, Burrow had campaigned relentlessly to raise awareness of the disease and alongside friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield raised over £15million for charities.
Prince William, who awarded Burrow his CBE in January, was among the many across the sporting world and beyond to pay tribute, saying: ‘A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart.
‘He taught us, “in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream”. Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W.’
Sinfield, who was also made a CBE alongside his late friend, said: ‘Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many.
‘You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND (motor neurone disease) community but for all those who saw and heard your story.
‘I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met. I will miss you my little mate.’
The MND Association said: ‘We’re deeply saddened to learn of the death of our patron Rob Burrow CBE. Since his MND diagnosis in 2019, Rob has played a vital role in raising awareness and money to support our work.
‘We will be forever grateful. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family, friends and fans.’
Upon the announcement of his passing, Leeds Rhinos said: ‘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,’ with many turning up to lay flowers in tribute.
‘He was the little fella who made a massive impact on the pitch and an even bigger one off it,’ BBC Sport reporter Dan Walker said.
‘Rob Burrow taught us so much in the way he dealt with his MND diagnosis and inspired millions with his continued determination to help others, despite what he was going through himself.
‘He was a class act. Sending all my love to Lindsey and their kids, his sisters, his mum and dad and all those who will miss him so much. The fight goes on.’
Football legend Alan Shearer added: ‘Ah man. What a guy. What an inspiration. What a hero. A warrior. A Legend. Sleep easy Rob.’
Former footballer and pundit Chris Kamara said: ‘What a trooper Rob was. He fought a real battle with MND.
‘Rob raised awareness & funds, despite his condition, for other people to benefit from. The impact he leaves will be long lasting. RIP Rob what a hero.’
‘The world will never forget Rob Burrow, he is a hero to so many people and an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to meet him or came across his story on and off the pitch,’ former Leeds Rhinos star Barrie McDermott wrote.
‘He made me dance like MJ and run when I hate doing both but mainly he made me laugh out loud.
‘He was brave beyond words in these last few months he has taught me so much about courage, kindness and love.
‘Good night God Bless my little brother I feel blessed to call you my friend.’
‘It was a pleasure to know Rob and to take the field against him!’ Castleford Tigers player Joe Westerman said.
‘We have lost a legend of a player and more important a legend of a bloke! Thoughts are with his family. RIP.’
Following his performance in the Britain’s Got Talent final on Sunday night, comedian Alex Mitchell, who has autism and a form of Tourette’s, paid tribute, saying: ‘About an hour ago we got the sad news of the death of Rob Burrow. He is a hero and an advocate for disability rights.’
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