Kevin Sinfield posts emotional tribute to his ‘little mate’ Rob Burrow – having helped him raise £15m to help fight motor neurone disease – as his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate dies aged 41

Kevin Sinfield has paid an emotional tribute to his best friend Rob Burrow following his death at the age of 41.

Burrow’s tragic death was announced Sunday evening by his former club Leeds Rhinos, for whom he played alongside Sinfield during the most successful period in the team’s history.

Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career that saw him win eight Super League titles and work tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition. He obtained an MBE in the New Year’s celebration List in 2021 for his services to MND and the sport.

Burrow and Sinfield both became CBEs in the 2024 New Year Honors after a surprise visit from Prince William and have raised more than £15 million for MND charities since Burrow’s diagnosis.

Sinfield released a heartfelt statement on social media Sunday evening following Burrow’s death: “Today was the day I hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a great friend to so many. You fought so bravely to the end and have become a beacon of hope and inspiration not only for the MND community, but for all who have seen and heard your story.

Kevin Sinfield paid an emotional tribute to his ‘little friend’ Rob Burrow following his death after the pair raised £15million to help fight motor neurone disease

Sinfield (left) and Burrow (right) played together for Leeds Rhinos, and their bond became even stronger after Burrow’s diagnosis

Sinfield called Burrow a “beacon of hope” and the “strongest and bravest man I have ever met”

Burrow won eight Super League titles alongside Sinfield during a glittering career

“My love and thoughts go out to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, to your dear parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.

‘You continue to inspire me every day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the field. I would always say you were pound for pound the strongest player I ever played with, but since your diagnosis you have been the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

‘Over the past four and a half years you have shown the world what living and loving looked like and it was always done with the biggest smile on your face.

‘I’ll miss you my little buddy. All my love, Kev.”

Burrow (pictured with wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honors List

Just two years after retiring from his seventeen-season playing career, he was diagnosed with ALS

Burrow is survived by his wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson.

He spent his entire club career at Leeds, making more than 400 appearances between 2001 and 2017. He also represented England and Great Britain.

The English Rugby League wrote on X next to photos of Burrow representing his country: ‘For club and country. RIP Rob Burrow CBE.”

The Rugby Football League added a longer statement that read: ‘Rob Burrow was an outstanding Rugby League player, for club and country. Since December 2019, his courage and humanity – linked to that of his family, friends and former Leeds Rhinos teammates, led by Kevin Sinfield CBE – have transcended sport.

‘We send our love, support and condolences to Lindsey, the children, Geoff and Irene, and the rest of his family – and we pay tribute to a Rugby League hero.’

England Rugby posted a touching tribute to X, writing: ‘A true champion.

Burrow is pictured with his wife Lindsey before the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 12

“The thoughts of everyone at England Rugby are with the family and friends of Rob Burrow, who has sadly passed away at the age of 41.

“Rest in peace, Rob.”

This fitting tribute came after Leeds confirmed Burrow’s death on behalf of his family.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,” the statement said.

“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether it was on the Rugby League field or during his battle with MND.

“He never let others define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.

“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the entire Burrow family have received over the past four and a half years has 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.”

They concluded the moving statement by adding, “He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream.’

Castleford Tigers said: “Castleford Tigers are saddened by the passing of Rob Burrow. Our thoughts are with the Burrow family, @leedsrhinos and the wider Rugby League and MND community at this time.”

Hull KR wrote their own message, which said: ‘Hull KR are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE earlier today. Everyone at the club sends their sincere condolences to Rob’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Burrow is regarded as a Leeds icon, not just on the rugby field, and Leeds United paid a fitting tribute to him on Sunday evening.

The club posted on X: ‘Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to hear of the passing of Rob Burrow CBE. Our thoughts are with Rob’s family, friends, all at Leeds Rhinos and the MND community at this incredibly sad time. RIP legend.”

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, made a surprise visit this year to award Burrow a CBE

Burrow won eight Super League titles during his illustrious club career with Leeds Rhinos

TV presenter Dan Walker posted on

Piers Morgan, meanwhile, called it ‘incredibly sad news’.

He posted on He has raised so much money and so much awareness and helped so many other people. RIP Rob.’

The Motor Neurone Disease Association said: ‘It is a testament to the strength of people’s feeling for Rob that support in his name has never wavered.

‘The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND and raising funds for the association, by sharing the details of their journey and by supporting so many people within the MND community inspire.’