Rob Burrow dies at 41: England Rugby lead tributes to inspirational Leeds Rhinos legend and motor neurone disease sufferer after tragic passing
- Rugby legend Rob Burrow has died at the age of 41, Leeds Rhinos have announced
- The inspiring Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019
- Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world following the sad news
Tributes poured in after rugby league great Rob Burrow died aged 41.
Burrow’s tragic death was announced on Sunday evening by his former club Leeds Rhinos, who described him as a ‘real inspiration throughout his life’.
He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career in which he won eight Super League titles.
During his five-year battle with the debilitating disease, Burrow worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honors List in 2021 for his services to MND and sport.
Burrow spent his entire club career at Leeds, making more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017. He also represented England and Great Britain.
Rugby legend Rob Burrow has died at the age of 41, Leeds Rhinos have announced
Burrow (pictured with wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honors List
Just two years after retiring from his seventeen-season playing career, he was diagnosed with MND
England Rugby posted a touching tribute to X, writing: ‘A true champion.
“The thoughts of everyone at England Rugby are with the family and friends of Rob Burrow, who has sadly passed away at the age of 41.
“Rest in peace, Rob.”
A statement posted by Leeds on behalf of his family read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether it was on the Rugby League field or during his battle with MND.
“He never let others define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
Burrow is pictured with his wife Lindsey before the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 12
“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the entire Burrow family have received over the past four and a half years has meant so much to Rob.
“In particular, the Rugby League Family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.”
They concluded the moving statement by adding, “He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.’
Castleford Tigers said: “Castleford Tigers are saddened by the passing of Rob Burrow. Our thoughts are with the Burrow family, @leedsrhinos and the wider Rugby League and MND community at this time.”
Hull KR wrote their own message, which said: ‘Hull KR are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE earlier today. Everyone at the club sends their sincere condolences to Rob’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Burrow and his close friend Kevin Sinfield, his former Leeds teammate, were both appointed CBE in the 2024 New Year Honors following a surprise visit from Prince William and have raised more than £15 million for MND charities since Burrow’s diagnosis.
He is survived by his wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson.
TV presenter Dan Walker posted on
Piers Morgan, meanwhile, called it ‘incredibly sad news’.
He posted on He has raised so much money and so much awareness and helped so many other people. RIP Rob.’
The Motor Neurone Disease Association said: ‘It is a testament to the strength of people’s feeling for Rob that support in his name has never wavered.
‘The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND and raising funds for the association, by sharing the details of their journey and by supporting so many people within the MND community inspire.’