Wembley Stadium paid tribute to Rob Burrow on Saturday as the Challenge Cup final unfolded, with the Wigan Warriors ultimately prevailing over the Warrington Wolves with a score of 18-8.
The kickoff was delayed until seven minutes past three in honor of the legendary No.7, a number Burrow famously sported during his time with the Leeds Rhinos.
Burrow passed away on Sunday at the age of 41 after battling motor neurone disease (MND) since his diagnosis in 2019. Throughout his ordeal, he dedicated himself to raising awareness of MND and fundraising for related charities, alongside his former teammate Kevin Sinfield. Together, they raised over £15 million ($19.1m) for MND charities.
The entirety of the Challenge Cup final day was dedicated to Burrow, with a minute of silence observed before the match and players wearing tributes to him on their jerseys. The seventh minute of the game also saw applause from the Wembley crowd in remembrance of the iconic No.7.
Outside the stadium, fans left flowers and mementos at the Rugby League Statue, which commemorates the Challenge Cup's history at Wembley.
Burrow, known for his remarkable speed and skill despite his small stature, achieved numerous accolades during his illustrious rugby league career. He secured two Challenge Cup titles, eight Super League finals, and three World Club Challenge crowns with Leeds from 2001 to 2017. With 492 appearances for the club and 20 appearances for England and Great Britain at the international level, Burrow's impact on the sport was immense.
Former teammate Danny McGuire fondly remembered Burrow, describing him as a tough, tenacious competitor and a fantastic teammate. Sinfield, who led tributes after Burrow's passing, hailed him as a great man and a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, also paid their respects, highlighting Burrow's enormous heart and his message of daring to dream in the face of adversity.
The MND Association praised Burrow as a consistent and passionate advocate for people with MND, acknowledging his significant contribution to raising awareness and funds for the cause.
Burrow's legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he continues to be remembered as one of the greatest players in Leeds' history. His passing has left an indelible mark on the sport, with tributes pouring in from across the rugby league community.
In other rugby news, Wales coach Warren Gatland named four uncapped players in a squad of 36 for upcoming Tests against South Africa and Australia. Gatland emphasized the squad's focus on building towards the future and improving key aspects of their game ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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