Grieving rugby league fans pay touching tributes to Rob Burrow as they lay shirts and flowers outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium after the legend’s death at the age of 41

People have laid down shirts and flowers in memory of Rob Burrow outside Leeds Rhinos’ stadium after the rugby league legend’s tragic death at the age of 41. 

Burrow’s passing was confirmed by Leeds, the club he spent his entire playing career with, and was met with a flood of tributes from across the sporting world.

He had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019 and after a five-year battle with the debilitating condition died in hospital surrounded by his family.

His diagnosis came just two years after he brought his 17-year career to an end.

Burrow won eight Super League Grand Finals, two World Cup Challenges and two Challenge Cups during his trophy-laden spell at Leeds between 2001 and 2017.

Burrow (pictured with wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honours List

Dozens of people gathered outside Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley stadium to pay their respects

Shortly after the sad news broke, grieving rugby league supporters gathered at Leeds’ Headingley ground and placed bouquets of flowers and shirts on a statue.

Dozens paid their respects to Burrow, one of rugby league’s most recognisable faces. 

Burrow had worked tirelessly to raise awareness around MND after his diagnosis and he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List in 2021 for his efforts.

He also represented England and Great Britain before hanging up his boots in 2017.

A statement posted by Leeds on behalf of his family read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.

‘Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether that was on the Rugby league field or during his battle with MND.

Flowers, scarves and shirts were laid on the ground by emotional Leeds supporters

One touching card declared that Burrow had given ‘memories for life’ during his career

Supporters consoled each other as they continued to step forward in memory of Burrow

A photograph of Burrow was placed on top of a statue outside one of the ground’s entrances

‘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.’

Burrow and his close friend Kevin Sinfield, his former Leeds team-mate, 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.