In memoriam: Rob Burrow CBE

It is with great sadness that Wigan Warriors learn of the death of former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow CBE.

Burrow was born on the 26th^th September 1982 in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England.

After getting involved in the sport of Rugby League at a young age, Burrow went on to have a successful career – 16 years with Leeds Rhinos and representing Yorkshire, England and Great Britain. He then became a high-profile figure in the MND community.

As a Rugby League professional, Burrow won eight Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, three Club World Challenge Cups, three Leaders’ Shields, two Harry Sunderland Trophies, three Super League Dream Team selections and an MBE in Queens. 2021 New Year’s Honors List for services to Rugby League and the motor neurone disease community, leading to his induction into the Leeds Rhinos Hall of Fame – becoming one of the game’s most successful players. Burrow was then awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honors List for his services to motor neurone disease awareness.

On the 19th^th In December 2019, Burrow and his family revealed to the nation that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Burrow has faced many challenges on a rugby field against some of the toughest opponents in the game and since his diagnosis, both Rob and his family have shown courage, strength, tenacity and extreme determination to fight MND .

As a Leeds Rhinos player, he played against Wigan Warriors on 53 occasions – making his first appearance against the Cherry and Whites on 8.^th June 2001 at Headingley in a Super League game coming off the bench where he scored a try against a strong Wigan side who ran out winners by 36 points to 18.

During his career against Wigan, Burrow played 24 games as a scrum-half, nine as a hooker and 20 from the substitute’s bench, scoring 16 tries and four goals for a total of 72 points.

It’s difficult to single out a highlight of Burrow’s career playing against Wigan over the years, but I suspect two games probably stand out more than most…

Match 1 – 18^th June 2005 at Headingley when Leeds inflicted what is still Wigan’s heaviest defeat in the league by 70 points to nil, Burrow scoring two tries and a goal.

Match 2 – 10^thOctober 2015 at Old Trafford where Leeds cruised to a 22-20 Grand Final win.

As an opponent, Burrow, 5ft 5in tall and weighing less than 11st, was always feared and proved to be a magnificent professional, always giving 100% and becoming a true ambassador for our sport – both on and off the pitch. outside of it.

Rob Burrow will be greatly missed as a rugby player and by the Rugby League community, but leaves his legacy as an ambassador for MND.

In paying tribute to Rob, we send our deepest condolences to his family, especially his wife, Lindsey, who was by Rob’s side throughout, and also to his three children, Macy, Maya and Jackson .

Rob Burrow. 26-09-1982 to 02-06-2024. An absolute inspiration to all.