Rob Burrow had a huge heart – Prince of Wales pays tribute to ex-Leeds ace

The Prince of Wales described Rob Burrow as a “rugby league legend” who had a “huge heart” following his death aged 41.

Burrow’s former club Leeds Rhinos announced on Sunday night that their former scrum-half had died after a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.

Burrow was diagnosed with the incurable disease in December 2019 and immediately launched a campaign to raise awareness of the disease, raising millions in the process alongside former teammate and close friend Kevin Sinfield.

William, who awarded CBEs to both Burrow and Sinfield for services to MND awareness in January, led the tributes with a statement on his official X account.

He wrote: “A rugby league legend, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us “in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.” Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.”

Burrow’s former team-mate Jamie Peacock wrote on Instagram: “We all knew this day would come, it was always going to be too soon and none of us wanted to think about it.

“Robbery in a sport where courage, grit and grit characterize every player at the absolute top, you were the bravest, bravest and grittiest of them all.

“And a sense of humor to match, I will always remember you holding court in a dressing room, having men twice as great because of your take-no-prisoners spirit.

“Becoming an inspiration to 1000’s and a pole star to the MND community, offering hope where there was none before. Never complain about your condition and situation. An inspiration to us all. RIP my friend.”

Former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir campaigned alongside Burrow to raise funds for MND until his death in November 2022 aged 52, and his charity – the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – at described Burrow as “a true inspiration” on Sunday night.

His statement read: “We are so saddened to learn of Rob Burrow’s passing. Like Doddie, Rob was a true inspiration to people living with MND. Our thoughts are with Lindsey, their children and all of Rob’s family and friends.”

Current Leeds second-row striker Cameron Smith, who played alongside Burrow before retiring in 2017, visited Headingley with fans to pay tribute to his former team-mate.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 25-year-old said: “It’s a really emotional night. I think it’s amazing how many people have come to pay their respects.

“I thought it was important for us players to pay our respects to Rob, who is such a hero. I was lucky enough to have a few games with him. He was my academy coach and taught me a lot about the game and how to be a good teammate and a good guy.

“He was a truly outstanding player and left a tremendous legacy here, having had so much success during his time at Leeds.

“He’s a really amazing person and the awareness he’s put on MND with the work Kevin (Sinfield) has done while he’s had this fight has been amazing and the work Kevin will continue to do do it to raise awareness of MND, not only in the UK but around the world.”

Former Rhinos teammate and close friend Barrie McDermott wrote on social media: “The world will never forget Rob Burrow. He is a hero to so many people and an inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to know him or came across his story on and off the field.

“It made me dance like MJ and run when I hate doing both, but mostly it made me laugh out loud.

“He has been brave beyond words these past few months. He taught me so much about courage, kindness and love.

“Good night, God bless my little brother. I feel blessed to call you my friend.”

The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, set up by former Bradford defender Stephen Darby and his close friend Chris Rimmer, paid tribute on social media.

The post read: “Everyone at the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation is heartbroken and devastated to hear the sad news that our great friend Rob Burrow has passed away. Our thoughts are with Lindsey, Macy, Maya, Jackson and family. Keep calm Rob x.”

Former England football captain Steph Houghton, who is married to Darby, added: ‘Devastated doesn’t even come close! Words cannot describe our love for Rob!

“Sending all our love to Lindsey and family! We are always here for you!”

Leeds boxer Josh Warrington added his tribute in a comment on the Rhinos statement, writing: “RIP Rob. Inspired to so many. A champion, a legend.”

The Rugby Football League said in a statement on social media: “Rob Burrow was an outstanding rugby league player, for club and country. Since December 2019, his courage and humanity – allied to those of his family, friends and former teammates at Leeds Rhinos led by Kevin Sinfield CBE – have transcended sport.”

RFL chairman Simon Johnson added: “This devastating news has united everyone in rugby league in grief and many others who have been touched and inspired by the courageous response of Rob, his family and friends since his diagnosis his from December 2019.

“We will take some time as a sport to think about how best to remember Rob and celebrate his life on the final day of the Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium next Saturday when Leeds Rhinos play St Helens in the final Betfred Women’s Challenge Cups. .

“We already committed earlier this year to the man of the match in the Betfred Super League Men’s Grand Final receiving the Rob Burrow Award – which will be presented for the first time at Old Trafford in October.”

Every Super League club offered their condolences, with defending champions Wigan writing: “His legacy will live on through those whose lives he touched and his story will continue to inspire all.”

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said in a statement on the club’s official website: “He has left an indelible mark on our sport. He also did so much to acknowledge the terrible disease that afflicted him and to support research that will save the lives of others in the future.

“He leaves a legacy that is unforgettable and unmatched in so many ways.”

Hull KR wrote: “Rob was a true competitor on the pitch and a warrior off it right to the end. There’s only one Rob Burrow,” while cross-town rivals Hull FC added: “In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”

Sky Bet Championship club Leeds United wrote: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family, friends, everyone at Leeds Rhinos and the MND community at this incredibly sad time. RIP Legend.”

Former England bowler Stuart Broad wrote: “Thinking of Rob Burrow’s family at this moment. Motor neurone disease is so cruel. Rob, his family and community have raised so much awareness and funds that will give us the chance to find a cure. I was with him and Lindsey last week, both incredible people.”

TV and radio presenter Dan Walker added: “He was the little guy who had a massive impact on the pitch and an even bigger one off it.

“Rob Burrow taught us so much in the way he dealt with his MND diagnosis and inspired millions with his continued determination to help others despite what he was going through himself. It was a class act. The fight continues.”

Carol Vorderman, co-host of the Pride of Britain Awards, said: “RIP the great Rob Burrow. Had the privilege of presenting @Rob7Burrow & his wife Lindsey @PrideOfBritain awards last year.

“An incredible man and a truly incredible family. My heart goes out to them. With the deepest respect.”