Challenge Cup final to be delayed by seven minutes in tribute to the late great Rob Burrow – as Rugby League world gets set to mark Leeds Rhinos legend’s tragic passing
- The late Rob Burrow wore the number seven during his successful rugby career
- Rugby League will pay their respects to Burrow, who died aged 41
- The final between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors starts at 3.07pm
The kick-off of the men’s Challenge Cup final will be delayed by seven minutes on Saturday in tribute to the late Rob Burrow, who wore the number 7 shirt throughout his career.
The Leeds Rhinos legend died last Sunday at the age of 41 after a four-and-a-half year battle with motor neurone disease.
The RFL had already announced plans for a minute’s silence at Wembley before the men’s and women’s finals, as well as a minute’s applause after seven minutes.
But there will now be another tribute to Burrow with the men’s clash between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors starting at 3.07pm instead of 3pm.
Players will also walk out at Wembley in blue MND Association tops, which the charity Burrow and his former Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield have supported in recent times.
Rob Burrow sadly passed away last Sunday after a four and a half year battle with motor neurone disease
Burrow is a Rugby League legend, having won eight Super League titles in his 17-year career
Challenge Cup final between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors kick-off will be postponed by seven minutes in tribute to Burrow
Fans can leave floral tributes at the rugby league statue outside Wembley from 9.45am on Saturday.
“Once the shock and sadness of Sunday evening’s news had sunk in, we recognized the responsibility to provide a fitting celebration of a rugby league superhero,” said Rhodri Jones, director of Rugby League Commercial.
‘The final day of the Challenge Cup has a great tradition of the rugby league family coming together. This year, for reasons no one would have chosen, we will be united in grief, but also in paying fitting tribute to a player who has transcended the sport.
‘We are grateful to BBC Sport and Wembley Stadium for their support.’
Wigan captain Liam Farrell, who played for England alongside Burrow, added: ‘It’s an iconic week for rugby league and we’re talking about an iconic player.
“It’s very sad news, but we will also make sure we remember a legend this week.”