Crowds pay respects to Rob Burrow on funeral route for Leeds Rhinos star and MND campaigner

Summary

Members of the public lined the route ahead of the funeral of Leeds Rhinos legend and MND campaigner Rob Burrow
The private funeral service is taking place on 7 July in honour of Burrow's number 7 playing shirt
Burrow's former teammate, friend and fundraising companion Kevin Sinfield is among the mourners, having flown back from England's rugby union Test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand
Next Friday, Leeds City Council and the Lord Mayor of Leeds are hosting a civic reception in honour of Burrow

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Public line route ahead of Rob Burrow funeral

Live Reporting

Edited by Alex Moss & Chris Attridge

Memorable picture showed Burrow and Sinfield's bondpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 7 July
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,
Kevin Sinfield carries his friend across the finish line
This emotional picture of Kevin Sinfield carrying his former team-mate over the finish line at the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May 2023 became a defining image of the men’s close friendship.
The duo achieved many great moments together during their playing careers - but this remarkable picture captured their unbreakable bond.
Rob Burrow: Rugby icon, campaigner and family manpublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 7 July
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,
Burrow spent 16 years at Leeds Rhinos
Born in Pontefract on 26 September 1982, Rob Burrow got involved in the sport from a young age.
He spent his entire professional career with Leeds Rhinos, making nearly 500 appearances during his 16 years with the club.
At 5ft 5in (165 cm) tall, he was known as one of the smallest players in Super League, but despite this, was one of the most successful.
He won eight Super League championships, two Challenge Cups, was named in the Super League Dream Team three times and won the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice.
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,
Lindsey Burrow with Kevin Sinfield and husband Rob
It was in December 2019 – just two years after retiring from professional rugby – that the former scrum-half was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Fundraising for the MND Association followed, with teammate and friend Kevin Sinfield taking on back-to-back ultra marathons to raise money.
Burrow, who was supported by wife Lindsey and the couple's three children, was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to sport and for his work in the MND community.
The pair were awarded CBEs for their fundraising efforts in the 2024 New Year Honours.
Funeral date coincides with Rob Burrow Daypublished at 11:46 British Summer Time 7 July
Image caption,
Burrow played in the number 7 shirt for Leeds Rhinos
The date chosen for the rugby league legend’s funeral is a poignant one.
Rob Burrow Day has been marked since 2021 on 7 July - a nod to his famous number 7 shirt.
Although the service at Pontefract Crematorium is a private event, members of the public are invited to stand on the roadside so they can pay their respects.
The funeral route: Where can people pay their respects?published at 11:45 British Summer Time 7 July
Image source, PA
Image caption,
Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019
Members of the public are asked to be in position from 13:00 BST.
The cortege will travel along the A656 (Park Road) passing the Xscape leisure complex as it travels towards the M62 junction.
The cars will continue along the A639 towards Pontefract, passing the racecourse, before turning onto Park Lane (B6134) near Pontefract Tanshelf Station.
The procession will continue along Ackton Lane into Ackton, before turning left onto Sewerbridge Lane and Common Side Lane (B6133) heading towards Featherstone.
At the War Horse sculpture the cars will turn left, slowing for a moment at Featherstone Lions ARLFC’s ground on Wakefield Road (A645).
The cortege will slow again as it passes through Featherstone and near to where Burrow played junior rugby. The cars will then continue along Pontefract Lane towards the crematorium.
At that point members of the public are asked to "leave this part of the journey so the Burrow family can have a few moments to themselves before arriving at the crematorium".
There will be no live streaming of the service.
Rob Burrow funeral: Welcome to our coveragepublished at 11:44 British Summer Time 7 July
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,
Rob Burrow died on 2 June aged 41
Hello and thank you for joining us.
The funeral of former Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow is taking place in Pontefract today.
Burrow died last month aged 41, four years after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
After his diagnosis, the married father-of-three dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community, with the support of close friend and former Rhinos team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
We'll be bringing you live coverage as crowds gather to line the route of the funeral procession before a private service takes place at Pontefract Crematorium.