Leeds Rhinos hero Rob Burrow CBE passes away – Total Rugby League

Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow CBE has died aged 41.

Rob has inspired the whole country with his courageous battle against motor neurone disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He died peacefully at Pinderfield Hospital, near his home, surrounded by his loving family, after falling ill earlier this week .

Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honor with the club as part of their golden generation. A hardworking and dedicated player, his fearless performances have made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.

Rob came up through the ranks of the club’s Academy to make his debut in 2001. In 2004, he was part of the Leeds team that ended a 32-year wait to win the Championship with victory in the Grand Final. It was the first of eight Grand Final wins for Burrow, including winning the Man of the Match award in the 2007 and 2011 shows at Old Trafford. The 2011 game included his stunning try, which is still regarded as the greatest grand final try ever scored.

In total, he made 492 appearances for the club, placing him fifth on the club’s all-time career appearances list. He scored 196 tries for a total of 1,103 points. He was capped 15 times by England and played five more Tests for Great Britain, including a Man of the Series performance in 2007 for the national team. Won the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2014 and 2015, as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leader Shields.

Following his MND diagnosis in December 2019, Burrow and his family made the decision to open their doors to show the impact of the disease and raise awareness and funds for the MND community. Burrow has since inspired two award-winning documentaries, written a best-selling autobiography, hosted an award-winning podcast and received a CBE from HRH Prince William at AMT Headingley in January 2023.

Along with his friend and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow has inspired almost £20m in fundraising across the UK and Ireland. This included raising over £6m to build the Rob Burrow Center for MND in Leeds as a lasting legacy for those who follow him in their own personal battles with the disease.

Rest in peace Rob Burrow CBE.

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