England football fans paid tribute to Rugby League legend Rob Burrow on Monday night ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Bosnia. Burrow passed away following a four-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND), with his death announced by his former club Leeds Rhinos on Sunday.
Ahead of England’s match at St James’ Park, an image of Burrow was broadcast on the stadium’s Big Screen.
And fans in the stadium gave the former scrum-half a round of applause with Channel 4 presenter Jules Breach also paying her own tribute as she told viewers he “will be greatly missed by fans of all sports.”
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,” read the statement from Leeds Rhinos.
“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease). 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.
“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 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.”
A whole host of notable figures including Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have eulogized Burrow since his death was announced. And his friend and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield said in statement: “Today was the day that I hoped would never come.
“The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so so many. You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story.
“I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met. I will miss you my little mate.”
