Leeds Rhinos Rob Burrow's widow Lindsay breaks silence to pay tribute to late husband

Zasha Whiteway-Wilkinson
·2-min read
Robert Burrow with his wife Lindsay
-Credit: (Image: Steve Parsons-WPA Pool/Getty Images)


The bereaved wife of the late Leeds Rhinos legend, Rob Burrow, is set to make an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning for her first ever exclusive interview. In a teaser provided on BBC Sport's Instagram, Lindsay, a mother-of-three, commended her husband, who was highly respected in both the rugby and MND communities.

Rob sadly passed away at just 41 on June 2, 2024, leaving behind his wife Lindsay and their three children. Rob solely played with the Leeds Rhinos, in scrum-half or hooker roles, throughout his career and appeared nearly 500 times while also representing Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire.

Although he had the nickname of "the smallest player in Super League", owing to his 5ft 5in stature and weighing just 66kg, Rob was counted among one of the most triumphant players in the history of the competition, boasting eight Super League championships, two Challenge Cups, placement in the Super League Dream Team three times and twice winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy.

READ MORE: Permanent Rob Burrow tribute to be put in place at Leeds Rhinos stadium

In December 2019 came a heart-wrenching diagnosis - beloved father Rob had motor neurone disease (MND). Post-diagnosis, Burrow allied with fellow player Kevin Sinfield to raise awareness for MND, reports the Mirror.

Both players were recognised for their work and efforts in raising funds and awareness for the disease with CBEs in 2024.

Reflecting on her late husband's legacy in a preview of the interview, Lindsay stated she "just couldn't put into words how proud she was of Rob".

"He was just such an inspiration to so many people", she said.

Alt text: The below link shows an Instagram video of Lindsay Burrow talking about late husband Rob Burrow. The caption reads: "Rob Burrow’s wife Lindsey pays tribute to her late husband. #BBCBreakfast #RobBurrow #mndawareness #RugbyLeague #LeedsRhinos"

She went on: "He was the face of the MND community for so many people and gave so many people hope. I think that the legacy that he leaves is just incredible and despite the grief, and despite the sadness, we have so much to be thankful for, for having Rob in our lives."

She said: "He made the world a better place to be. It was really overwhelming to see the support and what really struck me was that it wasn't just from the Leeds Rhino community."

Lindsay noted: "It was from all walks of the Rugby League community. And I think that's what Rob's done, he's brought a community together through the rugby, through the MND community and it doesn't matter which club you played for, I think he's just brought everyone together."

"And it was a real privilege and honour to see those and really heart-warming to see all the tributes for Rob."

Dont miss BBC Breakfast's Exclusive interview with Lindsay Burrow as she commemorates her late husband Rob Burrow. To watch the full piece, tune in tomorrow, Friday, June 21 at 8am on BBC1.

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