The city of Leeds came together to honor Rob Burrow, the late Leeds Rhinos rugby legend, for his remarkable contributions both on and off the field.
Nearly 200 people attended a special civic event at Leeds Civic Hall, commemorating his extraordinary life and career. Among the attendees were Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, his parents, Geoff and Irene, and his sisters, Jo and Claire. The event also saw participation from notable figures in the sporting and charity sectors.
Speakers at the event included Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a Rhinos board member and Burrow’s former teammate; Tanya Curry, the chief executive of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association; and Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and president of the Rugby Football League. Their speeches highlighted Burrow’s enduring legacy and the deep impact he had on his community and beyond.
The heartfelt speeches given at the tribute event for Rob Burrow provided a moving testament to his significant influence on countless lives. Following his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in 2019, Burrow’s selfless commitment to charity fundraising deeply resonated, underscoring the widespread admiration and respect he garnered through his efforts.
In his speech, Jamie Jones-Buchanana, a Rhinos board member and Burrow’s former teammate, described Rob as “The most courageous human being I have ever met in my life”. He also told the assembled guests: “I encourage you, please, remember the life that Rob lived, learn from the lessons that he taught us all and live by the examples that he set.”
Talking about Rob’s struggle with MND, Tanya Curry, the Chief Executive of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association said: “The qualities that clearly made him a great and unique player on the rugby pitch – his grit, his determination, his passion and commitment – made him the very best of ambassadors for us and for people living with this condition.”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and president of the Rugby Football League, meanwhile said: “I know he will always be an inspiration to so many of us. A true rugby league legend, an inspirational fighter against a cruel disease, a loving family man. Rob will never be forgotten.”
The tribute event for Rob Burrow featured a lineup of distinguished speakers including Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council; Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds; Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council; Ed Anderson CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire; and Paul Watkins, director of fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity.
The event also showcased videos that chronicled Rob’s impressive sports career, his courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), and his dedicated charity work. Organized collaboratively by Leeds City Council and the Rhinos, the tribute was streamed online, allowing a broad audience from Leeds and beyond to participate live. Recordings of the event are now available for those who wish to experience the tributes and celebrations of Rob’s life and legacy.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung said:
“It was a genuine honour for me to play a part in this event and to welcome our many distinguished guests to the Civic Hall. From the tributes and stories we heard, it is clearer than ever that Rob made a positive difference to countless lives. He will never be forgotten.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“We were determined, as a council, to pay full and proper tribute to a man whose courage in the face of adversity was truly inspirational. I’m sure all those who were present will agree that this civic event was a fine way to honour Rob. It was an occasion that, like his achievements, will live long in the memory.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped us show our appreciation for the life of a true Leeds hero.”
Rob Burrow’s illustrious career with the Rhinos spanned from 2001 to 2017, during which he made nearly 500 appearances. His remarkable achievements include eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and three World Club Challenge trophies. Following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Burrow became a driving force behind a fundraising campaign for a specialist MND care center.
Remarkably, construction began at Seacroft Hospital just one day after his passing. In addition, the council-supported Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was inaugurated in 2023 and has already raised over £7 million for charity, continuing his legacy of giving and community support.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, set to return next year, is dedicated to sustaining Rob’s legacy. Both the event’s name and its spirit of challenging oneself to achieve personal milestones serve to honor his enduring impact.
In 2023, Rob was posthumously awarded the freedom of the city of Leeds, a prestigious honor officially conferred in a ceremony at the Civic Hall’s banqueting suite — the same venue that held today’s tribute. This recognition underscores the profound respect and admiration Leeds holds for Rob, celebrating his contributions both on and off the field.
