Grieving rugby league fans pay emotional tribute to Rob Burrow as they lay shirts and flowers outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium following the legend’s death aged 41.

• Rugby legend Rob Burrow has died aged 41, Leeds Rhinos have announced
• The inspiratory pit was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019
• People gathered outside the ground in Leeds to put down shirts and scarves

People laid T-shirts and flowers in memory of Rob Burrow outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium after the rugby league legend’s tragic death aged 41.

Burrow’s death was confirmed by Leeds, the club with whom he spent his entire playing career, and was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019 and, after a five-year battle with the debilitating condition, 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.

Shortly after the sad news broke, grieving rugby league supporters gathered at Leeds’ Headingley ground and laid flowers and shirts on a statue.

Dozens of people paid tribute to Burrow, one of rugby league’s most recognizable faces.

Burrow worked tirelessly to raise awareness around MND after his diagnosis and was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honors List for his efforts.

He also represented England and Great Britain before hanging up his boots in 2017.

A statement posted by Leeds on behalf of his family said: “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 throughout his life, whether it was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND.

“He never allowed others to 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 rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.”

They ended the emotional 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 team-mate, were both made CBEs in the 2024 New Year Honors after a surprise visit from Prince William and have raised more than £15m for MND charities since Burrow’s diagnosis .