LONDON - Former England rugby league star Rob Burrow died on Sunday aged 41 after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease.
Burrow won eight Super League titles, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups during an iconic career with Leeds Rhinos.
He retired in 2017 but two years later it was revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend," a Leeds statement said on Sunday.
"Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease).
"He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more."
Burrow made more than 400 appearances for Leeds between 2001 and 2017.
He raised over £15-million to help build a new care centre for motor neurone disease patients alongside former team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
Speaking after his diagnosis, Burrow struck a defiant tone.
"The worst thing for me is people pitying me," he said. "I know it's going to come, but I want to be as normal as ever.
"While I am able-bodied and feel fit and strong and healthy, I want to do normal things and not be treated any differently."
By January 2021, Burrow had lost the use of his hands and arms and began using a wheelchair after his legs became weak.
But he continued to fund-raise for motor neurone disease charities and in May last year Sinfield carried him over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon after pushing his great friend for the 26.2 miles.
Leeds plan to recognise the achievements of both Burrow and Sinfield with a statue at their Headingley stadium.
Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours and a CBE in 2024 for his services to the sport and motor neurone disease charities.