“When it came to dealing with motor neurone disease, HE had the heart of a thousand lions and the heart of a lion when he was playing.”
These were just a few of the touching and sentimental remarks made by Sam Burgess in honour of his late teammate Rob Burrow, 41, who departed on Sunday.
Burrow’s struggle with motor neuron disease (MND) and his determination to raise money and awareness to support other patients have inspired a global audience. He first captured the attention of the rugby league world with his skill and bravery while playing for the Leeds Rhinos and on the international scene.
The news of his death sparked a wave of grief, and this is a particularly personal loss for Burgess, who lost his father Mark to the disease back in 2007.
Regarding the man he shared the pitch with six times during the international match, he stated, “It’s tragic news. He was courageous on the pitch and a great teammate.”
The most devastating news was his diagnosis, which we all knew was coming. It’s never easy, but this week has always been coming. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Burrow family.
“The legacy he has left behind is heartbreaking, but it’s undeniable—he has touched many lives not just in the UK but also in Australia and other countries.
Rob is capable of so many wonderful things that we may cherish. The fact that his life is being lost is plain regrettable.
“He approached life’s challenges in the same manner as he approached the sport. When he played, he disregarded the rules of physics and did so for an extended period of time at a very high level.
“When it came to dealing with his motor neurone disease, he had the heart of a thousand lions and the heart of a lion playing.”
“Let’s all pause to consider that and acknowledge what a unique individual he was.
Since this is a terrible illness that claimed our father in 2007, I am better able to understand Rob’s influence on the MND community than most.
But his narrative has brought all sports together, and this morning as I was heading to work, I had a little epiphany about what matters most and what the true purpose of it all is.
It’s about your family, your health, and your relationships, friendships, and memories—hopefully, some wonderful ones on Saturday.
“This is a good time to remember and honour what a unique man Rob was.”
The women’s and men’s Challenge Cup Finals, the Champion Schools final, and the 1895 Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday will all begin with a minute of silence in honour of Burrow, the RFL said.
