Rob Burrow: Thousands take to streets to honor Leeds Rhinos legend at funeral

VaselineJuly 7, 2024

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Rob Burrow: Thousands take to streets to honor Leeds Rhinos legend at funeral

July 7 is known as Rob Burrow Day and poignantly, today’s commemoration coincided with the funeral of the Leeds Rhinos legend, with thousands lining the streets to pay their final respects.

The sad news of Rob Burrow’s death broke on Sunday, June 2, and five weeks later, his funeral was held in a private ceremony for family and friends. However, there was a chance for Rugby League fans and those Burrow inspired to play their part with details of the funeral cortege previously revealed by Leeds Rhinos.

Thousands of fans clearly took note as they lined the route to Pontefract Crematorium wearing Rugby League shirts from all the teams represented, including dozens donning the newly released shirt to honor Rob Burrow.

Leeds Rhinos wore that shirt against Leigh Leopards on Global MND Awareness Day as they produced their best performance all season to secure victory on an emotional night at Headingley. Many of those same fans have now turned up to pay their last respects to their hero.

Thousands line the streets for Rob Burrow’s funeral procession

Credit: PA Media

With the route confirmed well in advance, it ensured that many fans created even more emotional scenes, something that has been common in the weeks since Rob Burrow’s death.

Tributes at Headingley and Wembley for the Challenge Cup final were incredible, with Leeds Rhinos confirming they will keep the shirts and condolence notes left over to help create a permanent tribute.

Touching pictures today saw fans from countless clubs pay tribute to a Rugby League legend and MND warrior. Pictures shared by BBC Yorkshire on social media showed the hearse being festooned with flowers by people lining the streets cheering on the real-life superhero.

When plans for Rob Burrow’s funeral were announced, members of the public were invited to retrace his final journey.

This call for participation was certainly met.

See more here: https://t.co/geuOBqsNmn pic.twitter.com/faQqC2ShIB

– BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) July 7, 2024

Featherstone Lions, Rob’s boyhood club, made a book of condolence available to the public, where crowds gathered to send a message of love and support to Rob Burrow’s family.

People gathered to sign a book of condolence at Featherstone Lions in Pontefract, where Rob Burrow learned to play rugby, before his funeral.

See more here: https://t.co/siP1XQzNoW pic.twitter.com/WUC0SRZVLf

– BBC Leeds (@BBCLeeds) July 7, 2024

On social media, “RIP Rob” was one of the trending phrases, with thousands taking inspiration from his final message: “In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”

“Whatever your personal struggle is, be brave and face it, every second is precious, don’t waste a moment. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream. Rob Burrow, over and out.”

An honor to be one of the many who line the streets for this hero. RIP Rob. pic.twitter.com/gkDTxYSl69

— dermot daly (@dermot_daly) July 7, 2024