Wigan Warriors will wear special embroidered shirts for this weekend’s Betfred Super League clash with Leeds Rhinos in support of Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.
Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019 and Wigan will show their support with each player adorning a word on their shirt which they feel best describes the eight-time Super League winner.
The shirts will be auctioned off at a later date via the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation with all proceeds being donated to the Rob Burrow Fund.
Wigan Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski, said: “We have always said that we would do something for Rob when Wigan played Leeds in Super League.
“Rather than just a financial gesture, we felt that it was important to let Rob know what an impact that he had on his fellow players during his time as a player, and his inspirational approach and conduct since his diagnosis.
“We were all devastated when we heard about Rob’s condition but typically and expectedly, we came together to support him in such a unique way.
“I have never seen such an outpouring of emotion from a sport to one of its own. I hope that Rob gains great strength, safe in the knowledge that is he constantly in our thoughts at Wigan and we are all with him on his journey.”
Wigan Warriors Captain Sean O’Loughlin – who has played alongside Burrow on the international stage – described the former Leeds man as ‘inspirational’ on his own jersey.
“To have that symbol embroidered on the shirt is pretty special and I think the boys will wear the shirt with pride. It’s nice of the club to acknowledge what Rob and his family are going through,” said O’Loughlin.
He added: “Rob’s a pretty special character in the sport – whether you know him or not – he’s small in stature but big in personality and was always big in performances throughout his career.
“He’s a symbolic figure in the Super League era and for the boys to get a word on the shirt that they see Rob as is a nice touch and a good way to show our support.”
For more information on the Rob Burrow fund, click here.
