In Memoriam: Rob Burrow CBE

It is with great sadness that Wigan Warriors learn of the passing of former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow CBE.

Burrow was born on 26^th September 1982 in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England.

After getting involved in the sport of Rugby League at a young age, Burrow went on to have a successful career – spanning 16 years with Leeds Rhinos and representing Yorkshire, England and Great Britain. He then became a high-profile figure in the MND community.

As a Rugby League professional, Burrow won eight Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, three World Club Challenge Cups, three League Leaders’ Shields, two Harry Sunderland Trophies, three selections for the Super League Dream Team, and an MBE in the Queens New Year Honours List of 2021 for his services to Rugby League and the Motor Neurone Disease community, which brought about his induction into the Leeds Rhinos Hall of Fame – becoming one of the most successful players within the game. Burrow was then awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Years Honours List for his services to Motor Neurone Disease awareness.

On 19^th December 2019, Burrow and his family revealed to the nation that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Burrow faced many challenges on a rugby field against some of the toughest opponents in the game and since his diagnosis, both Rob and his family have shown extreme courage, strength, tenacity, and determination to battle against MND.

As a Leeds Rhinos player, he played against Wigan Warriors on 53 occasions – making his first appearance against the Cherry and Whites on 8^th June 2001 at Headingley in a Super League game, taking to the field from the substitute bench where he scored a try against a strong Wigan team who ran out winners by 36 points to 18.

During his career against Wigan, Burrow played 24 matches as a scrum half, nine as hooker, and 20 from the substitute’s bench, scoring 16 tries and four goals for a total of 72 points.

It is difficult to single out one major highlight of Burrow’s career when playing against Wigan over the years, but I suspect two matches probably stand out more than most…

Game 1 – 18^th June 2005 at Headingley when Leeds inflicted what is still Wigan’s biggest league defeat by 70 points to nil, Burrow scoring two tries and a goal.

Game 2 – 10^thOctober 2015 at Old Trafford where Leeds edged a Grand Final win by 22 points to 20.

As an opponent, Burrow standing at 5ft 5in tall and weighing less than 11st was always feared and proved to be a magnificent professional, always giving 100 per cent and becoming a true ambassador for our sport – both on and off the field.

Rob Burrow will be very sadly missed as a rugby player and by the Rugby League community, but he leaves his legacy as an ambassador for MND.

In paying tribute to Rob, we pass on our deepest condolences to his family, especially to his wife, Lindsey, who has been there by Rob’s side throughout and also to his three children, Macy, Maya, and Jackson.

Rob Burrow. 26-09-1982 to 02-06-2024. An absolute inspiration to all.