Tributes Pour in for Rob Burrow Following His Passing at 41

Rob Burrow, the iconic Leeds Rhinos and England rugby player, passed away on June 2 at the age of 41 after bravely battling motor neurone disease (MND). His life and legacy were celebrated at a heartfelt funeral reception held at Leeds Civic Hall, attended by hundreds, including his former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MND Association CEO Tanya Curry, and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis.

The tribute was organized by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, and saw around 180 attendees gather to honor Burrow’s contributions both on and off the field.

On July 7, as the cortege proceeded to a private service, fans lined the streets wearing Leeds Rhinos shirts in a show of support. Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, along with their three children and family members, accompanied the hearse, which paused at the Featherstone Lions’ ground—where Burrow began his junior rugby career.

In her tribute, Lindsey Burrow remarked that her husband “made the world a better place,” echoing Burrow’s final message to not “waste a moment” and to “dare to dream” even in the face of adversity.