Rob Burrow death - updates: Prince William and Kevin Sinfield lead tributes to rugby star
Kevin Sinfield describes best friend Rob Burrow as a ‘beacon of hope and inspiration’ in emotional tribute
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Kevin Sinfield described Rob Burrow as a “beacon of hope and inspiration” in an emotional tribute to his best friend, who has died aged 41.
Mr Sinfield said it was the day he hoped “would never come” as he grieved the loss of his former teammate - a “wonderful friend to so many” who “fought to the end”.
“My love and thoughts go to your beautiful family,” he added.
In a personally signed message on X, William said: “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.”
Mr Burrow, who had been living with motor neurone disease (MND), died in hospital near his home surrounded by his family after becoming ill earlier this week.
He played 493 times for Leeds and was capped 15 times for his country. Mr Burrows and Mr Sinfielf raised millions of pounds for various MND charities and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal in Leeds following his diagnosis in 2019.
Rob Burrow, the inspirational rugby league star, dies after battle with motor neurone disease
William pays tribute to ‘legend of Rugby League’ and MND campaigner Rob Burrow
Kevin Sinfield joins William in paying tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow: What is motor neurone disease?
Rob Burrow: The rugby league legend whose biggest impact came off the pitch
A star of screen and best-selling author
Over three million tuned in to watch the award-winning BBC documentary “My Year with MND” and Burrow revealed more intimate details into his battle with the disease in his autobiography “Too Many Reasons To Live”, which was published in August 2021.
It won second prize in the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year awards at a ceremony in London attended by Burrow himself.
‘Legendary status on and off the pitch'
Former boxer Frank Bruno has paid tribute to Burrows.
He said: “Rip Rob Burrow.
“We met a few times as an ambassador and campaigner for motor neurone disease. His legendry status on and off the pitch cannot be equalled. A sad day for Sport & MND.”
Watch: Our video report after Rob Burrows dies aged 41
Warrington Wolves pay tribute
Warrington Wolves has paid tribute to Burrows, saying his contributions on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.
The club said in a statement: “We send our heartfelt condolences to Rob’s family, friends and everyone connected with Leeds Rhinos at this heartbreaking time.
“Rob fought his battle with immense strength and dignity. His bravery and what he did for the MND community will never be forgotten.
“RIP Rob Burrow.”
He made a massive impact, says Dan Walker
Paying tribute to Burrows, journalist Dan Walker said the former Leeds and GB star “made a massive impact”.
He said: “He was the little fella who made 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. He was a class act.
“Sending all my love to Lindsey and their kids, his sisters, his mum and dad and all those who will miss him so much.
“The fight goes on.”
Piers Morgan: ‘Remarkable man'
Piers Morgan described Burrows as a “remarkable man” in his tribute to the former rugby player and campaigner.
He said: “What incredibly sad news.
“A remarkable man who fought wretched Motor Neurone Disease with such courage, fortitude & determination.
“He raised so much money, and so much awareness, and helped so many other people.
RIP Rob.”
James O’Brien pays tribute
Journalist James O’Brien has paid tribute to Burrows.
He said: “Ah man. What a life. And what a love him & Lindsey shared. Legend & legacy are overused words but in Rob Burrow’s case, they’re barely adequate.
“Condolences also to Kevin Sinfield who distilled the essence of friendship.”
‘What an incredible man'
Rob Burrow was an “incredible man” who deserves “love and respect” for drawing attention to MND, Alastair Campbell has said.
The former Labour spinner said on X: “So sad.
“What an incredible man who deserves all the love and respect in the world for the attention he brought to this horrible illness. Thoughts with his family and with Kevin Sinfield who has shown friendship at its best.”
Prince William pays tribute
Prince William has paid tribute to Burrow.
In a personally signed message on X, the Prince of Wales wrote: “A legend of Rugby League, 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. W”
Rob Burrow: The rugby league legend whose biggest impact came off the pitch
Rob Burrow had scarcely had a chance to start the next chapter of his career when he was struck down by motor neurone disease.
The Leeds Rhinos great hung up his boots at the end of the 2017 season and was just getting into his stride as coach of the club’s academy team when the news came that he was suffering from the incurable illness.
Full report:
Rob Burrow: The rugby league legend whose biggest impact came off the pitch
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of just 37, Burrow helped raise millions for charity amid his biggest battle of all
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