Former rugby league player Rob Burrow passed away at the age of 41 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, described him as “loving, kind and caring,” and expressed pride in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for MND charities. Burrow spent his entire career with Leeds Rhinos, winning eight Super League titles. After his retirement in 2017, he was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and began campaigning for better care and research. He received an MBE in 2021 and a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.

On Monday, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital proceeded as planned, a project Burrow had championed. Burrow’s close friend Kevin Sinfield and family members attended the ceremony, honoring Burrow’s legacy. Tributes from former teammates and the rugby community have highlighted Burrow’s inspirational impact both on and off the field.