FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL Rob Burrow has died at the age of 41 after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease.
Burrow spent his entire rugby league career with Leeds Rhinos and helped them win eight Super League titles.
He retired in 2017 but two years later it was revealed Burrow had been diagnosed with MND and, after he raised millions to help build a new care centre for MND patients alongside former team-mate Kevin Sinfield, his death was confirmed by his former club on Sunday evening.
A statement from Leeds read: “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 (motor neurone disease).
“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.
It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 2, 2024
More here https://t.co/Lp2EcIu7ws pic.twitter.com/kyq6Er0FEp
“In particular, the rugby league family and 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 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.”
Rip Rob. A truly insperational figure.
My brother was diagnosed with MND in October 2023 and passed in 2024. For him, for his family it was a dreadful time but a happy release for all of us. This is a most insidious disease that we know so little about. Rob Burrow has been a titan since 2013 when first diagnosed. He has allowed himself to be filmed and photographed at his weakest, most desolate time. He allowed that because he wanted to highlight what MND is. This man is an eternal hero. God bless him and his family.
@Sean Healy: sorry to hear that about ur brother my brother was diagnosed 6 years ago with mnd at the age of 32 thankfully he is still with us so from one brother to another I wish u and ur family my condolences and God rest your brother
@paul Jennings: thanks Paul. 2 different journeys for our brothers. Your brother was very young, mine several years older. I wish you and your family the very best over that journey.
@Sean Healy: Very sorry for your loss Sean.
@paul Jennings: Sorry to hear about what your brother is going through Paul, he sounds like a very courageous individual.
Was 1 of the greats to play league his time @ Leeds Rhinos was impressive him and Kevin Sinsfield together was a brilliant combination. Also both done some amazing work for MND over the years. RIP Rob
Rip Rob through the most cruellest of illnesses you never stopped smiling a credit to your family and the mnd community
RIP Rob – simply class
Rip Rob, an absolute bas tard of a disease.
Rest in peace rob, absolute legend of the game and a gentleman off the pitch! Such an awful disease to live with but he fought it like the warrior he was on the field to the end!
I found what that family has gone through really heartbreaking yet inspiring, really raised awareness when they were facing the worst of adversities, RIP.
RIP sir
An incredibly inspiring man, RIP Rob.