Kevin Sinfield pays heartbreaking tribute to 'best mate' Rob Burrow after death
Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41 following a battle with motor neurone disease, with long-time friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield leading the tributes to the rugby league legend
Kevin Sinfield has shared a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend Rob Burrow, who tragically passed away at the age of 41 after a battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Leeds Rhinos confirmed the sad news on Sunday.
Sinfield, who alongside Burrow raised millions for charities, expressed his sorrow in a statement: "Today was the day that I hoped would never come."
He continued: "The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to 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."
He added: "My love and thoughts go to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, to your parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends."
Sinfield concluded: "You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch. I would always say that you were pundits for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however, since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met."
He ended his tribute by saying: "The last four and a half years you showed the world what living and loving looked like and this was always done with the biggest smile on your face. "I will miss you my little mate. All my love, Kev. X."
Sinfield and Burrow's fundraising efforts, including the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon held in 2023 and 2024, are believed to have generated approximately £15million for MND charities.
In a touching moment that will be remembered for years to come, 43 year old Sinfield carried his friend across the finish line during the 2023 event.
