Prince William pays tribute as rugby league great Burrow dies aged 41

Prince William and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield led tributes to rugby league great Rob Burrow, who died of motor neurone disease aged 41 on Sunday.

A diminutive scrum-half at just 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) tall, Burrow won eight Super League championships, three World Club Challenge titles and two Challenge Cups during a legendary career with Leeds Rhinos.

The England and Great Britain international retired in 2017 after 16 years at Leeds and over 400 appearances, but two years later he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

He is survived by his wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson.

In a personally signed message on social media, Prince William said: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.”

He also praised Burrow’s “phenomenal” efforts to raise more than £15 million ($19 million) to help build a new MND care centre.

After being diagnosed, Burrow dedicated himself to raising funds and awareness for MND, with the support of close friend and former Leeds team-mate Kevin Sinfield.

“Today was the day we hoped would never come,” said Sinfield, who is now the England rugby team’s skills and kicking coach.

– “The bravest man I have ever met” –

“The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so many.

“You will continue to inspire me everyday…you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

“I’ll miss you my little friend.”

Leeds revealed Burrows’ death on Sunday in a club statement: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.

“Rob has always been a true inspiration … he never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.”

Burrow began using a wheelchair in 2021 as his limbs weakened, but he continued to campaign.

“The worst thing for me is that people feel sorry for me,” he said. “I know it’s coming, but I want to be as normal as ever.”

Last May, an emotional Sinfield carried Burrow across the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon after his wheelchair was pushed over the 42-kilometre (26-mile) course.

Leeds plan to recognize Burrow and Sinfield’s achievements with a statue at Headingley.

“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,” Leeds said.

This year’s Super League Grand Final man of the match award will be renamed after Burrow, who was the first player to win it twice in 2007 and 2011.

The MND Association, of which Burrow became a patron in 2021, said: “By doing so much, he inspired the support of so many.

“It’s a testament to the strength of people’s feelings for Rob that the support on his behalf has never wavered.”

Burrow won 15 England caps and made five appearances for Great Britain.

He scored an unrivaled career 196 tries, but the courage he showed throughout his debilitating illness will serve as Burrow’s lasting legacy.

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