Rob Burrow funeral: Hundreds bid farewell to rugby icon
People grieving could be spotted from far away
Many people gathered along the streets to say goodbye to Rob Burrow, a famous rugby league player and advocate for motor neurone disease (MND).
The ex-Leeds Rhinos player passed away on 2 June at the age of 41 after dedicating his final years to increasing awareness and raising millions of pounds for research on the progressive disease.
The funeral took place in a small gathering at Pontefract Crematorium, with 161 guests who were specially invited.
In the group of people who attended, his best friend and fundraising partner Kevin Sinfield, who had come all the way from New Zealand, was there.
Rob Burrow achieved success by winning the Super League title eight times with the Leeds Rhinos.
The mourners cheered as the funeral procession went by.
Even though only chosen guests were allowed to attend the service, the general public was welcomed to stand along the path of his last journey.
A large group of people gathered along the streets where the funeral procession passed by. Many were seen wearing rugby jerseys with Burrow's name and the number seven printed on the back.
People traveled from London, Wigan, and the Wirral to show their respects.
As the vehicle transporting his casket drove past, it was greeted with applause as mourners were overcome with emotions.
People on the side of the road tossed yellow and white flowers onto the windshield.
The ceremony at Pontefract Crematorium was limited to guests who received invitations.
Kevin Sinfield made the journey from his current home in New Zealand to join the England men's rugby union team.
John Germaine, a dedicated supporter of the Leeds Rhinos for many years, stated that there will never be anyone as legendary as Rob Burrow.
The elderly man, who visited to show his admiration alongside his teenage grandson, characterized the rugby league player as a "kind and admirable person".
Sharron Rooney mentioned that she had journeyed from London.
She stated, "I am not a follower of rugby, but being from Bradford, Rob's MND story has had a profound impact on me."
I have run in both of the Leeds marathons. Even though I said I wouldn't do it again, I have already registered for the next one.
"Rob's story is so sad and my heart goes out to Lindsey and Kevin Sinfield."
Supporters talked about the influence that Rob Burrow had on their lives.
The vehicles came to a stop at the Featherstone Lions stadium on Wakefield Road, the place where Rob Burrow first began his rugby career as a young child.
Loved ones, relatives, and fellow players stood outside the crematorium as the funeral procession arrived.
Members of the public were requested to avoid the last section of the route in order to give the family some time alone.
Before the game started, Gary Hetherington, who is the top boss at Leeds Rhinos, talked about how at the beginning of his rugby career, Burrow wasn't sure of himself because he was short.
He stated that he showed he was capable and demonstrated qualities such as courage, determination, and skill. He was seen as a legendary athlete.
Matt Diskin, who used to play on the same team as Burrow, characterized him as a strong and motivating individual.
He stated that while many people would choose to keep their struggles private, Rob has bravely made himself visible to the public in order to raise awareness and seek solutions for the disease.
"He is a resilient person and it is truly inspiring to see how he has dealt with this situation, not only for me, but also for his teammates and everyone in the community."
A lot of people in the crowd felt strong emotions as the funeral procession went by.
The crematorium typically does not hold services on Sundays, but made an exception for the rugby legend's service.
Dr. Agam Jung, a neurologist who was in charge of Burrow's treatment, also came to the funeral. He mentioned that Burrow's lasting impact was his bravery and ability to bounce back from tough situations.
"He fully embraced every single moment."
"He has completely shifted the story surrounding motor neurone disease. There's a new direction being taken now."
During his time in the sport, Burrow achieved great success, winning multiple championships including eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges, and two Challenge Cups over a 17-year career.
But in 2019, which was two years after he stopped playing sports, he learned that he had MND.
In under five years since he was diagnosed, he and his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield raised over £15 million for MND charities.
Burrow was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for his contributions to rugby league and the MND community, then received a promotion to a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
The man with three children passed away at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.
In a heartfelt last message, Burrow requested that his words be spread after he passed away. He encouraged people to make the most of every moment in their lives.
