Rob Burrow was an outstanding Rugby League player, for club and country. Since December 2019, his courage and humanity - allied to that of his family, friends and former Leeds Rhinos team-mates, led by Kevin Sinfield CBE - has transcended sport.
We send our love, support and sympathy to Lindsey, the children, Geoff and Irene, and the rest of his family - and we pay tribute to a Rugby League hero.
Simon Johnson, the Chair of the Rugby Football League, said: “This devastating news has united all in Rugby League in sadness and the many others who have been touched and inspired by the courageous response of Rob, his family and friends since his diagnosis in December 2019.
“We will take a little time as a sport to consider how best to remember Rob, and to celebrate his life, at our Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium next Saturday, when Leeds Rhinos will play St Helens in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final.
“We had already committed earlier this year that the Player of the Match in the men’s Betfred Super League Grand Final will receive the Rob Burrow Award – to be presented for the first time at Old Trafford this October.”
The Rugby Football League's President, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, added: "A light has gone out in the world of Rugby League tonight following the death of the legendary Rob Burrow. His own personal battle with Motor Neurone Disease was inspirational – and together with Leeds Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield raised the profile of MND and funds to help fellow sufferers.
"Sending all our thoughts and prayers to Rob’s wife Lindsey and the family."
RFL Chair Simon Johnson's full In Memoriam Rob Burrow CBE (1982-2024)
