Rob Burrow: A Rugby Legend's Brave Battle with MND

Former England and Leeds Rhinos rugby player Rob Burrow has died at 41 from motor neurone disease. Burrow, who played for Leeds from 2001-2017, inspired many with his courage against MND. He and his family raised significant funds and awareness for the disease, earning tributes from Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

(Adds club statement, details, reaction) June 2 (Reuters) -

Former England and Leeds Rhinos rugby league player Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, has died aged 41, the Super League club said on Sunday. Britain's Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were among those who paid tribute to Burrow, who played for Leeds between 2001-2017 winning eight Super League titles.

"Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against MND since his diagnosis in December 2019," Leeds said. "He passed away peacefully at Pinderfield's Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.

"Burrow played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and won every honour with the club as part of their golden generation. A hard working and dedicated player, his fearless performances made him one of the most respected players in the Rhinos ranks." After coming through the club's academy ranks prior to his debut in 2001, Burrow made 492 appearances for Leeds.

Following his MND diagnosis, Burrow and his family raised awareness and funds for the MND community. Former Leeds and England captain Kevin Sinfield

completed seven marathons in seven days to raise over one million pounds ($1.3 million) in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and his former team mate.

So far, the duo have inspired nearly 20 million pounds in fundraising across the UK and Ireland, Leeds said. Prince William wrote on social media platform X: "A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W".

Sunak wrote: “Rob was an inspiration to everyone who met him or who heard his incredible story. I was honoured to spend some time with him last year. He drove a fundraising campaign that supports vital new research improving the care for others...” Burrow represented England from 2004-13 and Great Britain from 2005-07.

"Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the Rugby League field or during his battle with MND," read the family statement Leeds shared on X. "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 half years meant so much to Rob." ($1 = 0.7850 pounds)