Everyone at Hull FC was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE yesterday, aged 41.
Rob was a true hero and inspiration, who fought his battle with Motor Neurone Disease with incredibly strength, dignity, and bravery.
His legacy to both the sport of Rugby League, and the MND community, will never be forgotten.
On the field, Rob was one of the finest players of his generation – a one club man with Leeds Rhinos, he enjoyed a stellar 17-year playing career which saw him win eight Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and three World Club Challenges – on the international stage, Rob represented England fifteen times and Great Britain on five occasions.
After inspiring young Rugby League players for almost two decades, following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 two years after his retirement from the sport, Rob continued to inspire and leave a lasting impact on the MND community having raised millions of pounds for charity alongside his family and former teammate Kevin Sinfield CBE through a series of incredible challenges.
Burrow, his family, and Sinfield have played a monumental role in bringing awareness of Motor Neurone Disease to the forefront of the national psyche over the past five years. His incredible legacy will live on for years to come.
Everyone at the club sends their thoughts and condolences to Rob’s family, friends and loved ones, and everyone associated with Leeds Rhinos.
Hull FC first-team players Liam Sutcliffe, Jack Walker, and Tom Briscoe, all called Rob their teammate earlier in their careers. Former Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis and Hull FC’s Head of Emerging Talent, Francis Cummins, both also called Burrow a teammate during their playing days, while the club’s Head of Strength & Conditioning worked with Burrow for many years during his time at the Rhinos – all have paid their own personal tributes:
Liam Sutcliffe:
“Rest easy, mate. You taught me so much growing up as a 14 year old in the scholarship, coming through the system as my coach and I’m so grateful to have some incredible memories with you. You’ll forever be a legend.“
Jack Walker:
“Rob was my inspiration growing up, proving that size doesn’t matter. I’ll forever Be grateful for the lessons he taught me, not only as a coach but as my team mate & friend. RIP Rob.“
Tom Briscoe:
“Rob was an inspiration on and off the field. It was an honour and privilege to share the field with him and call him my friend. Sending all the love and best wishes to Lindsey and the family in an incredibly tough time.“
Gareth Ellis:
“Rob was an exceptional talent on the field. I remember turning up to games knowing if Rob was on, we’d win the game and he would be at the heart of it. Rob will be remembered by most for his ability on the field, which has been encapsulated in some of our sports greatest moments. But for those that were fortunate enough to get to know him they will remember him as a funny practical joker, a devoted family man and one of my favourite ever team mates.“
Francis Cummins:
“Being the underdog all his life, Rob has always had to prove people wrong, but you look back on his career and see how many times he’s done that, and popped up at the big moments when his team needed him. He was brave, he was quick, and he had the x-factor.
“His mental toughness was huge and that says a lot about his character. The strength of the man was incredible. Sportspeople usually aren’t very good in general life, but away from training, he knew who he was as a person away from the sport. A true family man, and he was devoted to Lindsey and his children.“
Jason Davidson:
“Even before I joined the coaching staff at Leeds, Rob would always have a smile when our paths would cross. He was one of the first players I met when I joined the Rhinos in 2005 and he is a big part of every good memory I have of my 17 years there.
“I will treasure the laughs and the unforgettable bus journeys home from many a final. He was not only a player who I coached; Rob and his family have become good friends to my family. It has been a privilege to see him grow from being a talented young player, to a legend of the game, to a wonderful family man and a true gentleman.
“We all know he proved that size didn’t have to matter on the pitch but only in his courageous battle with MND did we see what a true giant he was. Our thoughts are with Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, Geoff and Irene and their wider family.“
Leeds Rhinos have shared a number of ways that people can donate their tributes should they wish to:
- To donate to the Burrow Family’s Support Fund – please click here
- If you would like to support the MND Association with Rob’s Fightback Fund – please click here.
- The Leeds Hospital Charity has an appeal to build a specialist MND Care Centre in Leeds which will be called the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. To donate to that cause – please click here.
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