Rugby League Icon Rob Burrow Passes Away at 41
Tributes continue to flow in for the motor neurone disease campaigner who lost his long battle to the condition.
Former Great Britain rugby league star and motor neurone disease (MND) charity patron Rob Burrow has passed away after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND at the age of 41.
Mr. Burrow, a former English scrum-half, had a successful 17-year career with Leeds Rhinos, winning numerous accolades including eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup trophies, and three World Club Challenges.
The Leeds Rhinos released a statement on Sunday confirming his passing, stating, “Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against MND since his diagnosis in December, 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.”
Diagnosed with MND two years after his retirement in 2017, Mr. Burrow dedicated his time to raising awareness and funds for the MND Association.
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Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity, expressed gratitude in a statement on Monday, saying, “Thanks to Rob’s dedication and support, we have now raised £5.8 million to help bring Rob’s dream to life, a specialist centre for people living with MND and their families.”
She added, “We’re honored to continue to pay tribute to Rob through the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.”
In recognition of his contributions to the sport and MND awareness, Mr. Burrow was awarded an MBE in 2021 and subsequently a CBE in 2024.
‘I Will Miss You My Little Mate’
The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their condolences for the loss of the “legend of rugby league” Rob Burrow and his family on a social media platform, emphasizing his immense heart and inspiring spirit.
Mr. Sinfield expressed, “Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so many. You fought bravely until the end, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for the MND community and beyond. The last four and a half years, you showed the world the true essence of living and loving, always with a smile on your face.”
“I will miss you my little mate,” he added.
Mr. Burrow is survived by his wife Lindsey and their three children Macy, Maya, and Jackson. The Burrow family has been instrumental in raising awareness about the realities of living with MND.
The MND Association paid tribute to Mr. Burrow’s public battle with the disease, highlighting his advocacy efforts through media appearances and documentaries.
They mentioned his use of a communications aid to read a bedtime story on CBeebies, as well as his involvement in the United to End MND coalition, which successfully lobbied for a £50 million Government investment in MND research. A rare condition, MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK, with no known cure but treatment options to manage symptoms.
Rare Condition
The disease, a rare neurological condition, significantly reduces life expectancy and ultimately leads to death. In the same year that Mr. Burrow was diagnosed with MND, former Scottish rugby union player Doddie Weir also faced a similar diagnosis, dedicating his remaining years to raising awareness and establishing the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to combat MND.
A recent University of Glasgow study revealed the increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including MND, among former international rugby players, emphasizing the importance of precautions to reduce head injuries in contact sports.
