The Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain rugby league international Rob Burrow, who has died aged 41, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 and rose to wider public prominence in the following years, raising money for MND charities and lobbying the government to increase funding into research, treatment and care facilities. He died of complications from the disease.
Before his diagnosis, Burrow had spent his entire 17-year playing career with one club, Leeds Rhinos, earning the nickname “Mighty Atom” for his diminutive stature – at just under 5ft 5in (165cm) and weighing less than 11st (70kg), he was by far the smallest player of his era. Turning out at either scrum-half or hooker in a sport where size and bulk are usually of paramount importance, Burrow won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Championships in 492 appearances for his club, scoring 196 tries and kicking 157 goals and five drop-goals.
