Council supports Rob Burrow plans and confirms civic reception

Since Rob Burrow’s tragic death on June 2, 2024, there has been an unstoppable flood of tributes. Almost as soon as the news broke, fans of all clubs started paying their respects to the former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain man at the Rhinos’ home in Headingley.

Earlier this week, incredible pictures shared by the Yorkshire Evening Post show the extent of the tribute to Burrow, with the club saying a total of 668 shirts have been donated in tribute to Rob Burrow. The club also announced plans to photograph and collate the tributes in a memorial book.

Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos will honor Burrow’s memory when the two sides meet this weekend, and Leeds have a number of tributes planned for their next Super League home game at Headingley on June 21, including a special shirt to raise funds for MND-related causes.

Now Leeds City Council has provided an update on plans for a lasting tribute to Burrow in the city.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds Rhinos players?

Sustainable Planning Council Rob Burrow memorial

Credit: Imago Images

Now Leeds City Council has thrown its weight behind plans for a permanent tribute to Burrow in the city. In a statement on the council’s website, they explain that a council meeting will be held to discuss a report with recommendations on how to honor Burrow.

Although no final decision has been made, the council fully supports the plans and will also hold a large-scale civic event to honor Burrow’s memory. The statement read:

“The meeting, which will take place next Wednesday (June 19), will be told that – given his hugely positive impact on Leeds – it is important that the city finds a suitable way to celebrate his achievements, both on the pitch, as well as outside it.

“A report being presented to the meeting makes it clear that no decision has yet been made on how best to honor Rob.

“The report also emphasizes that the board will work closely with Rob’s family and the Rhinos as they explore ideas for a lasting tribute to a man who represented the best of Leeds.

“In addition, the council will continue to give its wholehearted support to the new Rob Burrow Center for MND, which is taking shape at Seacroft Hospital.

“The report also confirms that plans are being put in place for a large-scale civic event to be held in Rob’s memory in the near future.

Leader of Leeds City Council pays tribute to Burrow

Credit: Imago Images

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councilor James Lewis, went on to pay tribute to Burrow in the statement. He praised the impact Burrow had both as a player and later through his work to raise funds and awareness of MND. Lewis said the council was now determined to help commemorate Rob’s life and the work he did. Lewis said:

“Rob was a true Leeds hero, with his relentless courage and positivity inspiring people across the city and far beyond.

“The love, respect and admiration we have seen in the days since his death has been very moving and illustrates how much he meant to so many.

“Now we want to help commemorate Rob’s life, both as a great sportsman and as someone whose battle with MND made his name synonymous with courage.

“It will be our privilege to work with Rob’s family, the Rhinos and indeed the city as a whole to ensure his legacy lives on.”