- 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
- People have gathered outside the Leeds ground to drop off shirts and scarves
People have laid shirts and flowers in memory of Rob Burrow outside Leeds Rhinos stadium, following the rugby legend’s tragic death at the age of 41.
Burrow’s death was confirmed by Leeds, the club he spent his entire playing career with, and received an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world.
He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in 2019 and after a five-year battle with the debilitating condition, he died in hospital surrounded by his family.
His diagnosis came just two years after he ended his 17-year career.
Burrow won eight Super League Grand Finals, two World Cup Challenges and two Challenge Cups during his trophy-laden spell at Leeds between 2001 and 2017.
Rugby legend Rob Burrow has died aged 41, his family have confirmed
Burrow (pictured with wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honors List
Dozens of people gathered outside Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley stadium to pay their respects
Shortly after the sad news broke, grieving rugby supporters gathered at Headingley Ground in Leeds and placed bouquets of flowers and shirts on a statue.
Dozens paid their respects to Burrow, one of rugby’s most recognizable faces.
Burrow had worked tirelessly to raise awareness of MND following his diagnosis and for his efforts he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honors List in 2021.
He also represented England and Great Britain before hanging up his boots in 2017.
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.
Flowers, scarves and shirts were laid on the ground by emotional Leeds supporters
One moving card declared that Burrow had provided “memories for a lifetime” during his career
Supporters comforted each other as they continued to step forward in Burrow’s memory
A photo of Burrow was placed atop a statue outside one of the site’s entrances
“He never let others define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
“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.’
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.