Rob Burrow RIP

We regret to inform everyone that our former player, Rob Burrow CBE, has passed away at the age of 41. Our hearts are heavy and we express our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Rob's courageous fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has been a source of inspiration for people across the nation ever since he was diagnosed in December 2019. Unfortunately, he fell ill earlier this week and passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital, which is located near his home. Rob's family was present with him during his final moments.

During his career, Burrow was a loyal member of Leeds Rhinos and achieved every accolade alongside the team's golden generation. Renowned for his determination and commitment, his courageous displays on the pitch earned him high regard among his fellow Rhinos players.

Rob started playing for the club’s Academy and eventually made his first appearance in 2001. Three years later, he was part of the Leeds squad that took home the Championship title after a 32-year drought, winning in the Grand Final game. Burrow had an impressive eight wins in the Grand Final, being named Man of the Match in the 2007 and 2011 Old Trafford games. His remarkable try during the 2011 showpiece is still acknowledged as the best ever scored in the Grand Final.

In all, he participated in 492 games for the club, which ranked him fifth on the club's career appearances list. He also managed to score 196 tries which added up to a total of 1,103 points. He played for England 15 times, and also represented Great Britain in 5 additional tests, in which he was named Man of the Series in 2007. His time with the national team resulted in many victories, including winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2014 and 2015, as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields.

After being diagnosed with MND in December 2019, Burrow and his family made the courageous choice to invite others into their lives to demonstrate the effects of the disease and bring attention to the MND community. In the time since, Burrow has motivated the creation of two acclaimed films, authored a book that sold very well, produced a podcast that won an award, and was recognized with a CBE by HRH Prince William at AMT Headingley in January of 2023.

Together with his buddy and previous colleague, Kevin Sinfield, Burrow has been a driving force behind the collection of almost £20 million in funds all around the United Kingdom and Ireland. This commendable feat involves the accumulation of more than £6 million to establish the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds, which serves as an enduring monument for those who continue to fight their individual struggles with the ailment.

The Burrow family wants to express their gratitude to the Pinderfields Hospital staff for their kindness and attentiveness towards Rob during his last moments. To honor Rob's impressive deeds, the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital on Monday will proceed as scheduled, as per his wishes. The Burrow family kindly asks for everyone to give them the space they need at this time.

If you want to show your condolences to Rob, you can go to the South Stand at Headingley Stadium, which was a spot he cherished. From Sunday evening, the gates will be open for anyone who wants to come.