Rob Burrow

{{Short description|English rugby league footballer (1982–2024)}}

{{Infobox rugby league biography

|name = Rob Burrow
{{nobold|{{post-nominals|country=UK|CBE}}}}

|fullname = Robert Geoffrey Burrow{{cite web|title=Burrow Signs New Two Year Deal With Rhinos|url=https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2015/05/21/burrow-signs-new-two-year-deal-with-rhinos|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215232630/https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2015/05/21/burrow-signs-new-two-year-deal-with-rhinos/|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 December 2019|publisher=Leeds Rhinos|access-date=2 December 2017|date=21 May 2015}}

|image = File:Rob Burrow.jpg

|caption = Burrow with {{rlnt|ENG}} in 2008

|image_size =

|position = {{rlp|SH|HK}}

|birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1982|9|26}}

|birth_place = Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England

| height = {{cvt|165|cm|ftin|0|order=flip}}{{cite web|title=Player profile |url=https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/rob-burrow-10501.html |access-date=13 October 2022}}

| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2024|6|2|1982|9|26}}

| death_place = Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England

| weight = {{cvt|66|kg|stlb|order=flip}}

|club1 = {{nowrap|Leeds Rhinos}}

|year1start = 2001

|year1end = 17

|appearances1 = 492

|tries1 = 196

|goals1 = 157

|fieldgoals1 = 5

|points1 = 1103

|teamA = Yorkshire

|yearAstart = 2002

|yearAend = 03

|appearancesA = 2

|triesA = 0

|goalsA = 1

|fieldgoalsA = 0

|pointsA = 2

|teamB = England

|yearBstart = 2004

|yearBend = 13

|appearancesB = 13

|triesB = 9

|goalsB = 12

|fieldgoalsB = 0

|pointsB = 60

|teamC = {{nowrap|Great Britain}}

|yearCstart = 2005

|yearCend = 07

|appearancesC = 5

|triesC = 4

|goalsC = 9

|fieldgoalsC = 0

|pointsC = 34

|retired = yes

|source = {{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/rob-burrow/summary.html|title=Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org|publisher=rugbyleagueproject.org|date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}{{Rugby league records |id=1746 |title=Rob Burrow |access-date=12 February 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.therhinos.co.uk/player?PlayGuid=RB375268|title=Profile at therhinos.co.uk|publisher=therhinos.co.uk|date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}

}}

Robert Geoffrey Burrow {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|CBE}} (26 September 1982 – 2 June 2024) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played as a scrum-half or hooker. Burrow spent his entire professional career with the Leeds Rhinos, making nearly 500 appearances as well as representing Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire.

At {{Cvt|165|cm|ftin|order=flip}} tall and weighing {{Convert|66|kg|abbr=on}}, Burrow was known for many years as "the smallest player in Super League". Despite this, he was one of the most successful players in the competition's history, winning eight Super League championships, two Challenge Cups, being named to the Super League Dream Team on three occasions and winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice.

In December 2019, Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).{{cite news |title=Rob Burrow: Leeds Rhinos legend diagnosed with motor neurone disease|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/50854089 |access-date=8 January 2020}} Following his diagnosis, Burrow raised awareness for MND with fellow player Kevin Sinfield. Both were awarded CBEs in 2024 because of their efforts in raising funds and awareness of the disease. He died from MND on 2 June 2024, aged 41.{{cite web | title=Rob Burrow: Leeds Rhinos announce death of rugby league star | website=BBC Sport | date=2 June 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c2qqwvwzp5zo | access-date=2 June 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13146204/rob-burrow-leeds-rhinos-rugby-league-legend-dies-aged-41-after-suffering-from-motor-neurone-disease | title=Rob Burrow: Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend dies aged 41 after suffering from motor neurone disease |work= Sky Sports |date= 3 June 2024 |access-date= 4 June 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Bower |first1=Aaron |title=Rob Burrow, former Leeds scrum-half, dies at 41, years after MND diagnosis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jun/02/rob-burrow-leeds-scrum-half-dies-41-mnd-rugby-league |website=The Guardian |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=2 June 2024}}

Early life

Robert Geoffrey Burrow was born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire on 26 September 1982.{{cite web |title=Rob Burrow, rugby league international who helped to raise millions for MND charities – obituary |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2024/06/02/rob-burrow-rugby-league-international-mnd-died-obituary/ |website=Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=2 June 2024}} {{subscription required}} He was the son of Irene (née Bateman) and Geoffrey, a branch secretary for the GMB trade union,{{cite web |title=Rob Burrow obituary: Rugby star and motor neurone disease campaigner |url= https://www.thetimes.com/uk/obituaries/article/rob-burrow-obituary-death-whzmsx7dr |website=The Times |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=2 June 2024}} and had two older sisters.{{cite web |title=Rob Burrow's sisters open up for the first time about his battle with Motor Neurone Disease |url= https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/health/rob-burrows-sisters-open-up-for-the-first-time-about-his-battle-with-motor-neurone-disease-4597119 |website=Yorkshire Post |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=20 April 2024}} He grew up in Castleford,{{cite web |last1=Heppenstall |first1=Ross |title=Rob Burrow took on MND with same courage and humility he displayed as a player |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-league/2024/06/02/rob-burrow-took-on-mnd-with-same-courage-and-humility-he-di/ |website=Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=2 June 2024}} and was educated at Airedale High School. He began playing rugby league at the age of seven for Castleford Panthers, and later played at junior level with Featherstone Lions.{{cite web |title=Wakefield and Castleford struggle to square circle in golden triangle |url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/jun/17/wakefield-castleford-golden-triangle |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 February 2024 |date=17 June 2010}}

Club career

File:Rob Burrow Leeds.jpg in 2009]]

Burrow joined Leeds Rhinos in 1999, and spent the next couple of years in the academy ranks.{{cite book |last1=Burrow |first1=Rob |title=Too Many Reasons to Live |date=2021 |publisher=Macmillan |location=London |isbn=978-1-5290-7324-9}} He made his first team debut for Leeds in April 2001, appearing as a substitute in a defeat against Hull. He made his first start for the club a week later, scoring a try in a 6–36 defeat against Warrington Wolves.{{cite web |title=Rampant Wolves Off The Mark |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/5286715.rampant-wolves-off-the-mark/ |website=Warrington Guardian |access-date=12 February 2024 |date=12 April 2001}} Burrow received further first team opportunities later in the season after Leeds first-choice scrum-half, Ryan Sheridan, was injured{{cite web |last1=Laybourn |first1=Ian |title=Powell eager for a happy return |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/powell-eager-for-a-happy-return-9231752.html |website=The Independent |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=9 September 2001}} and had a number of impressive performances, most notably scoring two tries in a 23–18 win against reigning champions St Helens.{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Andy |title=Burrow the pint-sized Saint with a big future |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/sep/22/rugbyleague.comment1 |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=22 September 2001}} He was named the Super League Young Player of the Year at the end of the season.{{cite web |title=St Helens scoop awards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/oct/09/rugbyleague.bradfordbulls |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 February 2024 |date=9 October 2001}}

Burrow played in his first final during the 2003 season, appearing as a substitute in the 2003 Challenge Cup final against Bradford Bulls at the Millennium Stadium, but suffered a concussion in the first half, and took no further part in the game as Leeds lost the match 20–22.{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Andy |title=Bulls in harmony as Leeds strike a sour note |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/apr/28/rugbyleague.bradfordbulls |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=28 April 2003}}

Burrow played for the Leeds Rhinos from the interchange bench in their 2004 Super League Grand Final victory against the Bradford Bulls.{{cite news |title=Bradford 8–16 Leeds |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/3749726.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2004 |access-date=2 June 2024}} As Super League IX champions, the Rhinos faced 2004 NRL season premiers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the 2005 World Club Challenge; Burrow played from the interchange bench, scoring a try in Leeds' 39–32 victory.{{cite news |title=Leeds 39–32 Canterbury Bulldogs |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/4209965.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=4 February 2005 |access-date=2 June 2024}} He played for Leeds in the 2005 Challenge Cup Final at scrum half back in their loss against Hull FC.{{cite news|title=Hull stun Leeds in Challenge Cup|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/challenge_cup/4169230.stm|access-date=17 August 2013|publisher=BBC News|date=27 August 2005}} Later that year he played for the Leeds Rhinos at stand-off half back in their 2005 Super League Grand Final loss against Bradford Bulls.{{cite news |title=Bradford 15–6 Leeds |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/4345624.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2005 |access-date=2 June 2024}} He was named in the Super League Dream Team for 2005.{{cite news |title=Saints quintet in 2005 Dream Team |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/4264958.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=20 September 2005 |access-date=2 June 2024}}

Burrow was named as Leeds Rhinos Player of the Year for his performance throughout the 2007 season,{{cite web |title=Rob Burrow |url=https://www.therhinos.co.uk/rob-burrow-cbe/about-rob |website=Leeds Rhinos |access-date=2 June 2024}} and was named in the Super League Dream Team for the same year along with teammates Scott Donald, Jamie Peacock and Gareth Ellis.{{cite news |title=Teenager Penny makes Dream Team |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/ukfs_sport/mobile/newsid_6990000/newsid_6999500/6999523.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2007 |access-date=2 June 2024}} He was the winner of the Harry Sunderland Award for a man of the match performance in 2007's Super League XII Grand Final, in which Leeds defeated St. Helens by 33 points to 6.{{cite news |title=Super League Grand Final's Harry Sunderland Trophy renamed Rob Burrow Award |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13065633/super-league-grand-final-s-harry-sunderland-trophy-renamed-rob-burrow-award |agency=Sky Sports |date=7 February 2024}}

Burrow was named in the Super League Dream Team for 2008's Super League XIII season.{{cite web|url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=11755|title=2008 engage Super League Dream Team|publisher=Super League|date=15 September 2008|access-date=26 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223202318/http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=11755|archive-date=23 February 2012}} He played in the 2008 Super League Grand Final victory over St. Helens.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7642170.stm|title=2008 Grand Final|publisher=BBC|date=4 October 2008|access-date=5 October 2008}}

File:2009 Super League Grand Final 001.jpg victory.]]

Burrow played in the 2009 Super League Grand Final victory over St. Helens at Old Trafford.{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|title=St Helens 10–18 Leeds Rhinos|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8290503.stm|access-date=22 November 2019|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=10 October 2009}}

Burrow played in five Challenge Cup Finals in six years between 2010 and 2015. Leeds Rhinos lost three consecutive finals in 2010,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8938067.stm|title=Leeds 6–30 Warrington|publisher=BBC|date=28 August 2010|access-date=22 November 2019|first=Ged|last=Scott}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/aug/28/leeds-rhinos-warrington-wolves-challenge-cup-final |location=London |work=The Guardian |title=Chris Hicks hat-trick leads Warrington to Challenge Cup triumph over Leeds |first=Andy |last=Wilson |date=28 August 2010 |access-date=22 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831105934/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/aug/28/leeds-rhinos-warrington-wolves-challenge-cup-final |archive-date=31 August 2010 |url-status=live }} 2011,{{cite news|last=Scott|first=Ged|title=Leeds 18–28 Wigan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/14670204 |access-date=21 November 2019|work=BBC Sport|date=27 August 2011}}{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/27/leeds-rhinos-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Andy | last=Wilson | title=Leeds Rhinos 18–28 Wigan Warriors – Challenge Cup final match report | date=27 August 2011}} and 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/25/leeds-warrington-challenge-cup |title=Warrington's battered Brett Hodgson recovers to see off Leeds in final|date=25 August 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/19362692|title=Leeds Rhinos 18–35 Warrington Wolves|date=25 August 2012|work=BBC Sport|access-date=20 November 2019}} The team then won successive finals in 2014{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/aug/23/catleford-leeds-challenge-cup-final-match-report|title=Leeds lift Challenge Cup after Ryan Hall's double stuns Castleford|publisher=Guardian|date=23 August 2014|access-date=13 November 2019}} and 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/29/leeds-emphatically-shut-out-hull-kr-to-win-challenge-cup|title=Leeds emphatically shut out Hull KR to lift Challenge Cup|work=The Guardian|date=29 August 2015|access-date=8 November 2019}}{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/34086760 |title=Challenge Cup final: Hull KR 0–50 Leeds Rhinos |work=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2015 |access-date=29 August 2015}}

Burrow played in the 32–16 victory over St Helens in the 2011 Super League Grand Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/oct/08/super-league-grand-final-match-report?newsfeed=true|title=Leeds claim Grand Final glory as inspired Rob Burrow sinks St Helens|date=8 October 2011|work=Guardian|access-date=21 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8815944/St-Helens-16-Leeds-32-match-report.html|title=St Helens 16 Leeds 32|date=8 October 2011|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=21 November 2019}} His first-half try, a 50-metre solo effort,{{cite web |title=St Helens 16–32 Leeds |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9606230.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=8 October 2011}} was regarded as one of the greatest tries in Grand Final history.{{cite web |title=The greatest Grand Final try ever? |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/rugby-league/10953674/the-greatest-grand-final-try-ever |website=Sky Sports |access-date=13 February 2024}} He won the Harry Sunderland Award for the second time, when he was unanimously voted as man of the match.{{cite web |title=Burrow digs deep as Leeds scale heights |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/burrow-digs-deep-as-leeds-scale-heights-2367888.html |website=The Independent |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=9 October 2011}} He also played in the 2012 Super League Grand Final victory over the Warrington Wolves,{{cite news|title=Grand Final: Warrington 18–26 Leeds|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/19805055|access-date=20 November 2019|work=BBC Sport|date=6 October 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/06/warrington-leeds-grand-final|title=Leeds' Kevin Sinfield stars in Grand Final triumph against Warrington|work=The Guardian|date=6 October 2012|access-date=20 November 2019}} and the 2015 Super League Grand Final victory over the Wigan Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/10/leeds-wigan-super-league-grand-final-match-report|title=Leeds pip Wigan to seal treble after brilliant, breathless Grand Final|work=The Guardian|date=10 October 2015|access-date=7 November 2019}}

File:Betfred 2017 Super League Grand Final 018 (cropped).jpg in which he won his final trophy with Leeds.]]

Burrow announced his retirement in 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/leeds-rhinos-retiring-playmaker-burrow-opts-for-fresh-challenge-with-the-rhinos-1-8655543|title=Leeds Rhinos: Retiring playmaker Burrow opts for fresh challenge with the Rhinos|work=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=19 July 2017|access-date=12 December 2017}} His final match was the 2017 Super League Grand Final in which he helped his club to victory over the Castleford Tigers at Old Trafford.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/oct/07/castleford-v-leeds-grand-final-2017-live-super-league-rugby?page=with:block-59d9128de4b00593b4d67a05#liveblog-navigation|title=Castleford 6–24 Leeds: Grand Final 2017 – as it happened|work=The Guardian|date=7 October 2017|access-date=5 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/41536394|title=Grand Final 2017: Castleford 6–24 Leeds Rhinos|date=7 October 2017|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 October 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/oct/07/castleford-leeds-super-league-grand-final-match-report|title=Danny McGuire guides Leeds to Grand Final success over Castleford|date=7 October 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 October 2017}}

=One-match return=

On 12 January 2020, one month after his motor neurone disease diagnosis, Burrow came out of retirement to play for Leeds in a pre-season game against Bradford Bulls. The match was originally planned as a testimonial match for Jamie Jones-Buchanan who retired after the 2019 season, but was rebranded to "Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial and Rob Burrow support match", with a portion of the revenue going to MND support charities. The match was played by the Leeds first team, but saw a number of Jones-Buchanan's and Burrow's former teammates also come out of retirement for the match. Burrow came on as an interchange with five minutes left to play. Leeds won the match 34–10.{{cite web |title=Tears never far away as rugby league shows support to Rob Burrow |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jan/12/rob-burrow-leeds-rhinos-bradford-bulls-legends-rugby-league |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=12 January 2020}}

International career

Burrow made his debut for Great Britain in the team's opening match of the 2005 Tri-Nations against New Zealand.{{cite web |title=Great Britain 26–42 New Zealand |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/international_and_australian/4384750.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=29 October 2005}}

He was named in the squad for the 2006 Tri-Nations, but did not make any appearances.

In June 2007, Burrow was called up to the Great Britain squad for the test match against France.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/6744909.stm|title=Eight new faces in Lions squad|publisher=BBC|date=12 June 2007|access-date=12 June 2007}} He played a pivotal role in helping Great Britain to a 3–0 victory over New Zealand in the Gillette Fusion Test series in 2007. He was awarded the George Smith Medal as player of the series which he finished as top points scorer with 26 from two tries and nine goals.{{cite news|last1=Burke|first1=David|title=Rob Burrow walks tall for Great Britain|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2325578/Rob-Burrow-walks-tall-for-Great-Britain.html|access-date=20 August 2014|work=The Telegraph|date=12 November 2007}}

File:England 2008 RLWC.jpg

Burrow was selected for the England squad to compete in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup tournament in Australia.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7656553.stm|title=Purdham earns World Cup call-up|publisher=BBC|date=7 October 2008|access-date=7 October 2008}} In the first Group A match against Papua New Guinea, he played at scrum half back, with England winning the game.

File:Rob Burrow England 2008 RLWC.jpg

He was not selected for England's 2011 Four Nations campaign due to a rib injury.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/15314/7233670/ablett-named-in-england-squad|last=Sky Sports|title=Ablett named in England squad|date=11 October 2011|accessdate=2 March 2023}}

Playing style

At 5 ft 5 in tall, Burrow was the smallest player in the Super League for many years during his career.{{cite web |title=Leeds in profile |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/4333530.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=12 October 2005}}{{cite web |title=Burrow prepares to take his game to new heights |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jan/31/rugbyleague.sport1 |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=31 January 2008}} According to a teammate, his agility and quickness were phenomenal, which along with his low center of gravity, made him very difficult to defend.{{cite book |last1=Burrow |first1=Rob |title=Too Many Reasons to Live |date=2021 |publisher=Macmillan |location=London |isbn=978-1-5290-7324-9}} He was often compared to other diminutive half-backs such as Roger Millward and Allan Langer.{{cite web |title=Burrow is new Langer |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/1841018.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=25 February 2002}}

Personal life

Burrow married his wife Lindsey in 2006. They met when they were both 15 and together have three children, two daughters, Macy and Maya, and a son, Jackson.{{cite news|url=http://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/geoff-burrows-heartfelt-words-after-25959529|last=Appleyard|first=Joe|title=Geoff Burrow's heartfelt words after Rob Burrow's freedom of Leeds honour|newspaper=Huddersfield Daily Examiner|location=Huddersfield|date=12 January 2023|accessdate=2 March 2023}} His autobiography Too Many Reasons to Live was published in 2021,{{cite book|url=http://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/rob-burrow/too-many-reasons-to-live/9781529073270|last=Burrow|first=Rob|title=Too many reasons to live|publisher=Pan Macmillan|date=19 August 2021|accessdate=2 March 2023|isbn=9781529073270}} and won the Autobiography of the Year at the 2022 Sports Book Awards.{{cite web |title=Michael Holding's book does the double at annual awards |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/michael-holdings-book-does-the-double-at-annual-awards-smg90ds85 |website=The Sunday Times |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=29 May 2022 |url-access=subscription}} He was a fan of the American NFL football team the Seattle Seahawks.{{Cite web |date=8 January 2020 |title=Burrow: 'I cannot get over how much people are willing to do for me' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-league/rob-burrow-interview-motor-neurone-disease-leeds-rhinos-a9275601.html |access-date=22 August 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en}} In June 2024, Burrow’s wife Lindsey revealed that he had recorded a series of messages to be played for his children at special moments in their lives as they grow up.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw00z7wdnwro|title=Rob Burrow recorded video messages to be played as children grow up |website=BBC News |date=21 June 2024|access-date=21 June 2024}}

Illness and death

On 19 December 2019, Burrow revealed that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Burrow died at Pinderfields Hospital from complications of motor neurone disease, on 2 June 2024, aged 41.

=Tributes=

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|image1=Rob Burrow, Pontefract Memorial 001.jpg|caption1=Memorial to Rob Burrow in his home town of Pontefract.|width1=200|image2=Rob Burrow memorial, John Holmes Statue, Headingley.jpg|caption2=Memorial to Rob Burrow in by the John Holmes statue at Headingley Stadium.|width2=200}}

On 3 June, a minute's silence was held for Burrow at St James' Park ahead of the England national football team's UEFA Euro 2024 warm up fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina.{{cite web | url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/1906904/Rob-Burrow-England-St-James-Park/amp | title=Classy Rob Burrow tribute performed by England fans at St James' Park ahead of Bosnia|work=Daily Express|first=Tom|last=Parsons|date=3 June 2024}}

During the 2024 Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on 8 June (featuring the 2024 Challenge Cup final, 2024 Women's Challenge Cup final, and 2024 1895 Cup final), a memorial for Burrow was created at the rugby league statue. A minute's silence was held ahead of each match with a minute's applause carried out in the 7th minute of each game.{{cite web | url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/13-touching-images-as-rugby-league-paid-tribute-to-rob-burrow-on-challenge-cup-finals-day | title=13 touching images as rugby league paid tribute to Rob Burrow on Challenge Cup finals day | date=9 June 2024 }}

On 21 June, Leeds Rhinos's first home game following Burrow's death, a similar memorial was created at the John Holmes statue with a video celebrating his life being played in the stadium before kick-off.{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jun/21/leeds-pay-touching-tribute-to-rob-burrow-with-victory-against-leigh | title=Leeds pay touching tributes to Rob Burrow before victory against Leigh | date=21 June 2024 }}

Burrow's funeral was held at 1pm on 7 July 2024. A specialised route was put in place for the rugby league community to pay their respects. The cortege drove past Featherstone Lions ARLFC, Burrow's childhood club, before heading towards Pontefract Crematorium for a private ceremony. Kevin Sinfield, along with 160 guests including Rob's family all paid respects at his funeral.

On 26 July 2024, an episode of Coronation Street was dedicated to Burrow. The episode consisted of the character Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) struggling with MND. At the end of the episode a picture of Burrow at the Rovers Return was shown with a message below stating "Friend and Advisor of Coronation Street".{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c51yezxjl0ro | title=Coronation Street MND storyline 'shows love' for Rob Burrow - Sinfield | date=26 July 2024 }}

Legacy

In September 2021, an appeal was launched to build a care centre for MND patients in the Leeds area, which would be named the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.{{cite web |title=Rob Burrow backs £5m charity appeal to build state-of-the-art Motor Neurone Disease centre in Leeds |url=https://www.therhinos.co.uk/article/14735/rob-burrow-backs-%C2%A35m-charity-appeal-to-build-state-of-the-art-motor-neurone-disease-centre-in-leeds |website=Leeds Rhinos |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=7 September 2021}}{{cite web |title=Rob Burrow MND Centre appeal passes £5m mark after Sinfield challenge |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-67692409 |website=BBC News |access-date=13 February 2024 |date=12 December 2023}} To raise money for the facility, the annual Leeds Half Marathon was paired with a full marathon named the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. Since 2023, both marathons are run on the second Sunday in May.{{cite web |title=50 Days to go until the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon & Leeds Half Marathon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0fbyg9t |website=BBC News |access-date=31 July 2024 |date=25 March 2023}}

In 2023 the BBC documentary Rob Burrow: Living with MND won documentary of the year at the 28th National Television Awards.{{cite web | url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/incredible-rob-burrow-living-with-mnd-wins-documentary-of-the-year-award | title=Incredible 'Rob Burrow: Living with MND' wins Documentary of the Year | date=7 March 2023 }}

In February 2024 the RFL announced that an award for the Super League Grand Final player of the match would be introduced, replacing the Harry Sunderland Trophy, and will be called the Rob Burrow Award.{{cite news |title=Rob Burrow: Super League Grand Final award renamed after former player |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/68222790 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2024}}

Burrow was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to rugby league and the motor neurone disease community{{London Gazette|issue=63218|supp=y|page=N16|date=31 December 2020}} and promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to motor neurone disease awareness.{{London Gazette|issue=64269|supp=y|page=N9|date=30 December 2023}}

At the time of his death, Burrow had raised over £6 million for motor neurone disease awareness and treatment charities. The day following his death, work began on The Rob Burrow Centre: 3 June was a pre-scheduled date. Burrow had a hand in the design and creation of the facility. The centre is expected to open later in 2025.Leeds Hospitals Charity, Together, Spring 2025, p. 4

Honours

Club

Super League (8): 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017
League Leader's Shield (3): 2004, 2009, 2015
Challenge Cup (2): 2014, 2015
World Club Challenge (3): 2005, 2008, 2012

Individual

Young Player of the Year: 2001{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Andy |title=St Helens scoop awards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/oct/09/rugbyleague.bradfordbulls |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=9 October 2001}}
Harry Sunderland Trophy: 2007, 2011
Super League Dream Team: 2005, 2007, 2008
Leeds Rhinos Hall of Fame: 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2020/12/30/burrow-completes-the-class-of-2020-as-16th-inductee-to-leeds-rl-hall-of-fame/|title=Burrow completes the 'Class of 2020' as 16th inductee to Leeds RL Hall of Fame|first=Phil|last=Daly|date=30 December 2020}}

Orders and special awards

Member of the Order of the British Empire: 2021 New Year Honours – For services to Rugby League and to Motor Neurone Disease Awareness
Commander of the Order of the British Empire: 2024 New Year Honours – For services to Motor Neurone Disease Awareness
Honorary degree of Doctor of Sport Science from Leeds Beckett University{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/leeds-rhinos-rob-burrow-mbe-awarded-honorary-doctorate-by-leeds-beckett-university-3169471|last=Share|first=Immy|title=Leeds Rhinos' Rob Burrow MBE awarded honorary doctorate by Leeds Beckett University|newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post|location=Leeds|date=17 March 2021|accessdate=2 March 2023}}
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award, 2022{{Cite web|url=https://www.totalrl.com/leeds-rhinos-legends-rob-burrow-and-kevin-sinfield-given-special-awards-at-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year/|title=Burrow and Sinfield given special awards at BBC SPOTY|work=totalrl.com|date=21 December 2022}}

References

External links

(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20160314053105/http://www.therhinos.co.uk/rugby/first-team/player-first-team.php?PlayId=73 Leeds Rhinos profile]
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