Kevin Sinfield pays moving tribute to 'brave' best mate Rob Burrow

Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has paid tribute to his great friend and former rugby teammate Rob Burrow calling him as a “beacon of hope and inspiration”.

Burrow’s family and former club Leeds Rhinos today (Sunday) announced the 41 year old had sadly died after a four and a half year battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Following the announcement, Kevin Sinfield, who raised millions for charities alongside Burrow, has paid an emotional tribute to his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate describing him as a “beacon of hope and inspiration”.

READ MORE: The story behind the powerful Rob Burrow picture that moved a nation

He wrote in a statement: "Today was the day that I hoped would never come.

"The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to so many. You fought so bravely until the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for the MND community but for all those who saw and heard your story.

"My love and thoughts go to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, to your parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your wider family and friends.

"You will continue to inspire me every single day. I have lost a dear friend and will never forget the special times we shared both on and off the pitch. I would always say that you were pundits for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however, since your diagnosis, you were the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

"The last four and a half years you showed the world what living and loving looked like and this was always done with the biggest smile on your face. "I will miss you my little mate. All my love, Kev. X""

In late 2020, Sinfeld ran seven marathons in seven days, raising £2.7million for MND charities following