Leeds will honor Rob Burrow CBE at a commemorative civic event this Friday, July 12, at Leeds Civic Hall. The event will bring together representatives from the sporting and charity communities to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the late Leeds Rhinos rugby legend.
The event will include speeches and videos highlighting Rob’s sporting career and his inspirational fundraising efforts following his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis. Rob’s family will be present, and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, will deliver the opening speech. Other speakers include Rhinos board member and former teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MND Association chief executive Tanya Curry, and Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council.
Tributes will also be delivered by Tom Riordan (chief executive of Leeds City Council), Ed Anderson CBE (HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire), Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker of the House of Commons and president of the Rugby Football League), and Paul Watkins (director of fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity).
The event will take place in the Civic Hall’s banqueting suite, which also hosted the 2023 ceremony where Rob was awarded the freedom of Leeds. Although the event is invite-only, it will be streamed live online for those who wish to join in honoring Rob.
Rob’s passing in early June elicited a significant outpouring of grief, with tributes and memorabilia left at the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium and thousands lining the streets for his funeral procession.
Councillor James Lewis stated, “It’s our privilege to honor Rob’s life and achievements. The event will demonstrate his special place in the hearts of our community.”
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, expressed, “The profound respect for Rob since his passing has been moving. He made a huge impact on Leeds, both on and off the field.”
Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, thanked Leeds City Council for organizing the event and noted that the support for Rob and his family has been a testament to his impact.
Rob made nearly 500 appearances for the Rhinos from 2001 to 2017, securing eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and three World Club Challenge trophies. He was also a dedicated ambassador for the community and played a key role in raising funds for an MND care center.
The council-backed Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, launched in 2023, has raised over £7 million for charity and will return next year.The civic event starts at 11 a.m. and will be streamed online for public viewing. The council is also considering ideas for a permanent tribute to Rob in Leeds.
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