Leeds Rhinos legend and Hall of Famer, Rob Burrow CBE, has sadly passed away at the age of 41 after a courageous and valiant battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was first diagnosed in December of 2019.
Robert Geoffrey Burrow CBE was born on 26 September 1982, the son of Irene and Geoffrey Burrow. He grew up in Castleford, where he would begin his journey as a rugby league player for Castleford Panthers as a child, before playing at Featherstone Lions until he was signed by Leeds Rhinos in 1999. He rose through the ranks of their academy and into the first team.
Rob Burrow’s glittering career at Leeds Rhinos
Burrow made his debut for Leeds Rhinos in 2001 and would go on to play 492 times for the club. He scored 196 tries in his tenure with the Rhinos and racked up a total of 1103 points overall.
In 2007, Burrow was given the ‘Harry Sunderland Man of The Match’ award during the Grand Final, which Leeds went on to win 33–6 against St Helens. He would go on to win this award again in 2011, in a 32–6 victory over St Helens, scoring what is hailed by many as “The greatest super league try ever”.
Rob Burrow played his final game for Leeds Rhinos, and the last match of his career, during the 2017 Grand Final against his hometown club, Castleford Tigers. He would bow out of the professional game with his 8th super league title; Leeds won 24–6.
Battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with his family at his side
However, Rob Burrow’s biggest challenge came after retirement from rugby league. In December 2019, just two short years later, Burrow was diagnosed with MND. After his diagnosis, he was able to raise millions of pounds to help find a cure for MND, alongside his best friend and former captain and teammate Kevin Sinfield CBE. Rob was given an MBE for his services to rugby league and his immense contribution to the MND charities and communities in 2022 and was awarded a CBE in 2024.
In his personal life, Burrow was married to Lindsey, with whom had three children, Macy, Maya and Jackson. During his battle with MND, his wife Lindsay, his children and his parents Geoff and Irene took care of the former Leeds star and, at Rob’s request, helped to keep it in the public eye to help raise awareness about MND.
Rob Burrow CBE 1982–2024
Rob Burrow passed away peacefully at Pinderfields hospital, close to his home and surrounded by his family on 2 June 2024.
The announcement of his death was made by Leeds Rhinos who released a statement by the Burrow family.
The club also released a statement on behalf of Kevin Sinfield.
The current Leeds Rhinos first team visited AMT Headingley Stadium on Monday morning to pay their respects to the Rhinos legend. Shortly after the news of Rob’s passing, fans quickly arranged flowers, shirts, scarfs and candles around the statue of John Holmes.
Those wishing to pay their respects are able to visit the stadium throughout the week.
On behalf of everybody associated with Yorkshire Bylines we send our deepest condolences to Lindsey, Geoff, Irene, his three wonderful children Macy, Maya and Jackson and the rest of Rob’s close family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. May you rest in peace Rob.
“In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.”
Rob Burrow CBE
