Rob Burrow dead at 41: Former England rugby star passes away after brave battle with motor neurone disease
FORMER England rugby star Rob Burrow has died at the age of 41.
The fan favourite passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, Leeds Rhinos have announced.
GettyRugby league legend Rob Burrow has sadly passed away[/caption]
Burrow pitchside with his wife Lindsey in 2021Rex
GettyBurrow celebrates with the trophy after the First Utility Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos in 2015[/caption]
He died aged 41 after a brave battle against illnessRex
Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.
He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
The rugby icon played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
He won eight Super League titles in an illustrious playing career.
After being diagnosed with the illness, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community with the support of close friend and former Leeds team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
Leeds’ statement released on Sunday evening read: “It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.
“Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.
“Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation.
“A hard working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks.
“Rob rose through the club’s academy ranks 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 Old Trafford showpieces.
“The 2011 game included his breath-taking try that is still regarded as the greatest Grand Final try ever scored.”
In total he made 492 appearances for Leeds Rhinos placing him in fifth in the club’s all-time list of career appearances.
He scored 196 tries for a total of 1,103 points.
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