Rugby League legend Rob Burrow has died at the age of 41, following a long battle with motor neurone disease (MND), his former club Leeds Rhinos said on Sunday.
Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and subsequently dedicated himself to raising awareness of the disease, as well as funds for tackling it, with the support of his former Leeds team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
The scrum-half, who also played for England, won eight Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,” Leeds said in a statement.
“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the Rugby League field or during his battle with MND. 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.
“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise.
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something. He just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else.
“He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”