Kevin Sinfield has paid an emotional tribute to his best friend Rob Burrow following his death at the age of 41.
Burrow’s tragic death was announced on Sunday evening by his former club Leeds Rhinos, who he played for alongside Sinfield during the most successful period in the team’s history.
Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career in which he won eight Super League titles, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness around the condition. He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List in 2021 for his services to MND and to the sport.
Burrow and Sinfield were both made CBEs in the 2024 New Year Honours after a surprise visit from Prince William and have raised more than £15million for MND charities since Burrow’s diagnosis.
Sinfield released a heartfelt statement on social media on Sunday evening following Burrow’s passing that read: ‘Today was the day that I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many. You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story.
Kevin Sinfield paid an emotional tribute to his ‘little mate’ Rob Burrow following his death after the pair raised £15m to help fight motor neurone disease
Sinfield (left) and Burrow (right) played together for Leeds Rhinos, and their bond grew even stronger after Burrow’s diagnosis
Sinfield hailed Burrow as a ‘beacon of hope’ and the ‘toughest and bravest man I have ever met’
Burrow won eight Super League titles alongside Sinfield during a glittering career
‘My love and thoughts go out to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya, and Jackson, to your lovely parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.
‘You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch. I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however, since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.
‘The last 4 and a half years you showed the world what living and loving looked like and this was always done with the biggest smile on your face.
‘I will miss you my little mate. All my love, Kev.’
Burrow (pictured with wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honours List
He was diagnosed with MND just two years after retiring from his 17-season playing career
Burrow is survived by his wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson.
He spent his entire club career with Leeds and made over 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017. He also represented England and Great Britain.
England Rugby League wrote on X alongside pictures of Burrow representing his nation: ‘For club and country. RIP Rob Burrow CBE.’
The Rugby Football League added a longer statement that read: ‘Rob Burrow was an outstanding Rugby League player, for club and country. Since December 2019, his courage and humanity – allied to that of his family, friends and former Leeds Rhinos team-mates, led by Kevin Sinfield CBE – has transcended sport.
‘We send our love, support and sympathy to Lindsey, the children, Geoff and Irene, and the rest of his family – and we pay tribute to a Rugby League hero.’
England Rugby posted a touching tribute on X, writing: ‘A true champion.
Burrow is pictured with his wife Lindsey before the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 12
‘The thoughts of everyone at England Rugby are with the family and friends of Rob Burrow, who has sadly passed away at the age of 41.
‘Rest in peace, Rob.’
These fitting tributes came after Leeds confirmed Burrow’s death on behalf of his family.
‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,’ the statement read.
‘Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether that was on the Rugby league field or during his battle with MND.
‘He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
‘The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a 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.’
They concluded the touching statement by adding: ‘He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’
Castleford Tigers said: ‘Castleford Tigers are saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Burrow. Thoughts are with the Burrow family, @leedsrhinos and the wider Rugby League and MND Community at this time.’
Hull KR penned their own message which read: ‘Hull KR are deeply saddened to learn of Rob Burrow CBE’s passing earlier today. Everyone at the club sends their sincere condolences to Rob’s family and friends during this difficult time.’
Burrow is regarded as a Leeds icon, not just on the rugby field, and Leeds United paid a fitting tribute to him on Sunday evening.
The club posted on X: ‘Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family, friends, all at Leeds Rhinos and the MND community at this incredibly sad time. RIP Legend.’
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, paid a surprise visit to award Burrow a CBE this year
Burrow won eight Super League titles during his illustrious club career with Leeds Rhinos
TV presenter Dan Walker posted on X in response to the news: ‘He was the little fella who made a massive impact on the pitch and an even bigger one off it.’
Piers Morgan, meanwhile, called it ‘incredibly sad news’.
He posted on X: ‘A remarkable man who fought wretched Motor Neurone Disease with such courage, fortitude and determination. He raised so much money, and so much awareness, and helped so many other people. RIP Rob.’
The Motor Neurone Disease Association said: ‘It is testament to the strength of feeling people have for Rob that the support in his name has never wavered.
‘The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND, and funds for the association, by sharing the details of their journey and by inspiring so many people within the MND community.’
