Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend dies after battling motor neurone illness
Rob Burrow has died at the age of 41, his former club Leeds Rhinos have announced.
He was an English professional rugby league footballer who played as a scrum-half or hooker. An England and Great Britain representative, he spent his entire 16-year professional career with Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, making over 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017.
Robert had lived with motor neurone disease (MND) for nearly five years after being diagnosed in late 2019.
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A Leeds Rhinos statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.
“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with mnd (motor neurone disease).
“He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
(Image: PA)
“The outpouring of love and support that rob and the whole burrow family have received over the last four and half years meant so much to Rob.
“In particular, the rugby league family and the mnd community have rallied around rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.
“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of mnd over the last four and half years came as no surprise.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else.
“He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”
Following confirmation of Burrow’s death, the MND Association posted on social media saying: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the death of our patron Rob Burrow CBE. Since his MND diagnosis in 2019, Rob has played a vital role in raising awareness and money to support our work. We will be forever grateful. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family, friends and fans.”
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