Rob Burrow: Prince of Wales leads tributes to Leeds Rhinos legend with 'huge heart' after tragic death

Rob had been battling with motor neurone disease (MND) since 2019 and had helped raise millions of pounds in recent years for charity.

He had only retired in 2017 after a successful and trophy-laden career with Leeds Rhinos, landing eight Super League titles.

Leeds Rhinos confirmed his tragic death today.

But having gone public with his life-threatening illness, he dedicated himself to raising money and awareness of the condition.

Within minutes of his death being announced, scores of heartbroken people were quick to praise his life, his work and his brave battle against MND.

And the Prince of Wales has paid tribute to Burrow, describing him as a “legend of Rugby League” who had a “huge heart”, adding: “He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’.”

In a joint statement issued by Leeds City Council, the Lord Mayor, Coun Abigail Marshall Katung, council leader Coun James Lewis and chief executive Tom Riordan, said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Burrow – a freeman of our city, and a hero to so many both on and off the rugby field.

“Rob’s performances for Leeds Rhinos alongside English and Great British rugby league had already secured his legendary status as one of the sport’s true greats, before he faced the toughest of battles against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with tremendous courage, bravery and dignity.

“His campaigning to raise awareness of MND, and to raise millions to fund a specialist Motor Neurone Disease Care Centre in our city, has been truly inspirational, leading thousands to join him, his family and friend Kevin Sinfield on their journey by taking part in the Rob Burrow Marathon to raise millions for charity.

“Rob’s achievements transcend sport and the city of Leeds. His own words ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’ already adorn a mural in the city centre, and over the coming weeks we will find a fitting way to ensure Rob’s legacy and achievements live on in Leeds.

“For now, our thoughts are with Rob’s wife Lindsey and his children, his family and friends, and everyone who knew him."

Meanwhile, BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent has remembered the late rugby playeras the “smallest player on the pitch. But a giant of a man”.

Nugent, 52, who covered Burrow’s life after his motor neurone disease diagnosis, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Smallest player on the pitch. But a giant of a man. There’s only one Rob Burrow.”

After his diagnosis, Burrow raised awareness of MND through the BBC documentaries Rob Burrow: My Year With MND (2020) and Rob Burrow: Living with MND (2022), which were both shortlisted at the National Television Awards in the authored documentary category.

Broadcaster Dan Walker, who interviewed Burrow when he was a presenter on BBC Breakfast, said the athlete “inspired millions”.

“He was the little fella who made a massive impact on the pitch and an even bigger one off it,” he said in a post on X.

“Rob Burrow taught us so much in the way he dealt with his MND diagnosis and inspired millions with his continued determination and desire to make a difference for others.

“Sending all my love to Lindsey and their kids, his sisters, his mum and dad and all those who will miss him so much.”

Hazel Graham wrote on Facebook: “RIP Rob Burrows. He's fought a long and brave fight against MND and help raised so much awareness.”

PAT Cunningham added: “A fighter to the end. Condolences to his family and friends.”

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Shirley Wellington described him as a “unique man”, while Deborah Giles said he was “such a lovely guy”.

In a statement put out by Leeds Rhinos, they said: “Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019.

“He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.”