European Rugby League has added their sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of rugby league icon Rob Burrow, who passed away on Sunday, aged 41, after a four-and-a-half-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
In a glorious 17-year playing career with Leeds, Burrow represented Great Britain and England 20 times, winning the European Championship in 2003 and 2004 and playing in two World Cups, and was subsequently awarded a CBE – along with former captain Kevin Sinfield – for his charity work, raising approaching £20m to date for MND causes including the Rob Burrow Centre for sufferers of the disease in Leeds, the building of which started yesterday.
ERL chair, Dean Andrew, said in tribute: “On behalf of everyone involved with European Rugby League, I send our deepest condolences to the family of Rob Burrow. As a player for England and Great Britain, Rob’s performances in the international game thrilled so many.
“His fight against MND and his fundraising efforts were equally inspiring to people in the international Rugby League community, and he will leave a lasting legacy throughout the world as a result.”
Burrow’s life will be celebrated at this weekend’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.