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Rugby family comes together to pay tribute to Rob Burrow

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Rob Burrow of Leeds Rhinos with his children after the Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial between Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls at Emerald Headingley Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The rugby family will come together as one on Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Rugby League legend Rob Burrow, who passed away this week at the age of 41 following a courageous battle against Motor Neurone Disease.

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A 5’5 Burrow was one of the smallest players on the pitch during his 17-year highly decorated career but he was a giant of a man in the way he tackled firstly opponents and then the disease that ultimately claimed his life.

With both the Gallagher Premiership Final between Northampton and Bath at Twickenham and the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final between Warrington and Wigan at Wembley kicking off at 3pm in London, fans inside both grounds will honour Burrow seven minutes into the respective matches with a round of applause.

Burrow wore the number seven short with distinction throughout a career that included eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup and three World Club Challenge wins – all with his one and only club, Leeds Rhinos.

While Burrow made his name in Rugby League, his ‘little and large’ friendship with former Scotland and British & Irish Lions international and fellow MND sufferer Doddie Weir touched the hearts of so many and united the codes.

Weir, who passed away in November 2022, and Burrow and others from the sporting world, notably England Rugby coach Kevin Sinfield, did so much to raise funds and awareness for the MND community.

In addition to the round of applause, Rugby League fans will be able to pay their respects with a minute’s silence before both the men’s and women’s Challenge Cup finals.

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J
JW 5 hours ago
Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year

It really all depends of how much overseas players would be paid (by NZR) to play for the All Blacks. I’ve not heard a peep on this front from any author suggesting it’s a good idea.


If it’s nothing (a player gets his weekly paycheck from the club and thats it (which we know is definitely not the case in Ireland and France, or SA even I think?), then maybe it would retain more SR level players given that they’ll be getting the “AB” component (which is about where things stand, Burke for instance would have had to had his Sader contract upgraded to an AB one (think above Pero levels) to be on similar money.


I’d having to imagine if a player is getting paid to do nothing over the international windows though, they are going to want to get paid extra for appear for the ABs, so in this situation, it’s hard to see many players being retained, yes.


I’m pretty sure they flew to Japan and met in person.


I’ve heard/had these discussions numerous times. I don’t think theres anyway to judge the interest that would be retain in SR. For one, it might be a more entertaining league as a result, as the JRLO is compared to Europe, despite it obviously being a lesser standard.


If SRP is of a lesser standard and now able to use Japanese and American players to bolster teams, perhaps those markets more than make up for the downturn in NZ and Aus? Perhaps it gives NZR flexibility to create a more fit for purpose interdomestic competition, and interest actually increases? All you might need is a proper pathway from school to pro?


Razor asked NZR to keep an open mind. Did NZR answer any of these questions to themself?

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