Prince William and Princess Kate’s heartbreak as rugby league icon dies at 41

The Prince and Princess of Wales are among those left devastated by the loss of a sports legend at the age of just 41.

Prince William and Princess Catherine have led tributes to former England rugby league star Rob Burrow after his death aged 41 following motor neurone disease.

Prince William honoured the Leeds Rhino star, writing on X: “A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart.

“He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.”

Prince William and Princess Catherine have posted a heartfelt message. Picture: Getty Images

Rob Burrow has died at 41 after living with motor neurone disease (MND) for nearly five years. Picture: Getty Images

Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.

An outstanding player, he carved out a decorated and stellar career with the Rhinos, but it was his endless work with close friend and ex-teammate Kevin Sinfield in raising millions to support people battling the condition that sealed his reputation as one of Britain’s inspirational figures.

The club said he died peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital near his home in Leeds with his family at his bedside after becoming ill earlier last week.

Prince William awarded Rob Burrow with the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease in January this year. Picture: Getty Images

Burrow won eight Super League titles in his playing career while also representing England and Great Britain internationally.

After making his debut for Leeds in 2001, he brought an end to the Rhinos 32-year drought for a league title three years later, winning the Super League Grand Final in 2004.

He won eight Grand Finals for the Rhinos, which included a 2011 triumph when he scored a try in the Grand Final against St Helens.

Rob Burrow with his wife Lindsey after he was made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on April 5, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Burrow was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to rugby and for his tireless work in the MND community.

In 2022, Burrow netted the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, with his ex-Leeds team-mate Kevin Sinfield.

“The worst thing for me is people pitying me,” he previously 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.”

Rob Burrow with his family. Picture: Getty Images

Burrow leaves behind wife Lindsey, who married in 2006, and children Jackson, Maya and Macy.

A statement from Leeds on Sunday night read: “It is with deep sadness that the club can confirm that former player Rob Burrow CBE has passed away, aged 41.

“Rob inspired the entire country with his brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since his diagnosis in December 2019. He passed away peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family after becoming ill earlier this week.”

He made a total 492 appearances for Leeds Rhinos and scored 196 tries for a total of 1103 points.

Originally published as Prince William and Princess Kate’s heartbreak as rugby league icon dies at 41