Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France
34 - 21
FT
Gallagher Premiership

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

1

All Blacks-beating world record holder calls it quits after 18 years

2

Bath's double pursuit hit by Sam Underhill ban

3

Cardiff set to go into administration, WRU prepare for takeover

4

Northampton confirm Logan exit as one of three departures

5

Surprise name linked with top Leicester job

6

Picking an in-form British & Irish Lions XV 1 month out from squad reveal

7

Gabby Logan lets slip the Prem club son Reuben has signed for

8

EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final draw confirmed

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

LONG READ

'There appears little prospect of change at the top in Europe. That should be a concern to all’

Europe's elite tournament needs more uncertainty rather than another shakedown towards an inevitable Leinster-Toulouse final.

LONG READ

Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

La Rochelle's might was undone by Munster grit but the external influences of coaches like Ronan O'Gara and Shaun Edwards should be retained

LONG READ

Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

While the Reds are focused on finessing their playing style in SRP, big rewards loom on the horizon for the Australia hooker.

Comments on RugbyPass

I
IkeaBoy 32 minutes ago
Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley makes decision on future

Not a central contract? Not quite the statement signing it could or should have been.

1 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 54 minutes ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

Just to point out that Ireland ‘testing themselves against the best’ in 2022, was one a principle contributions to NZ eliminating them in 2023. France can beat NZ anyway: why go under their microscope?

I agree re O’Gara and La Rochelle: two Champions Cup wins is unprecedented.

The mention somewhere about his relationship with players was after a defeat last year where he admitted going hard on them eroded his confidence. He has a great relationship with his players.

25 Go to comments
J
JPM 1 hour ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

What fake news ??!!! They are his own various declarations.

That’s my last reply as you really want to make a point despite more complex reality, insisting on your own theory of home-grown coaches…

Strangely enough I never read an article on or a detailed interview in Rugby Pass of Ugo Mola who is the best coach in Top 14 (and put in place the best rugby ecosystem which is consistently growing top players). But he is an home-grown coach…

25 Go to comments
N
NB 1 hour ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

Are you sure they were not fake news as in the Midi Olympique story?


Still not a reason to sack him after he’s achieved EPCR wins other home-grown coaches can only dream about…

25 Go to comments
N
NB 1 hour ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

Edwards was the biggest single influence in the style of play, which began to revolve around strong defence and countering off turnover ball. It is still the way France plays now, just look at the tries scored and conceded, and he low number pf phases taken to score…


Sure ROG has made his share of mistakes he has a winning pedigree at the highest level - and where do you get the idea he has a problem with his players??


I am glad to hear at least that French journos see the missed opportunity in July! There i still time to reverse the likely squad selection criteria…

25 Go to comments
S
Soliloquin 1 hour ago
'We offered him a three-year deal': Hurricanes priced out of U20 star

He’s French and he’s been siphoned off by France…?


Apart from the money (which we have no info of for now), there are way more games between the Top14 and the European cups to get some game time compared to SR. With 29 games of Top14 for those who qualify in the top 6 and play the final, plus the potential of 8 Europan cups games, that’s almost 37.

Many 18/19/20 year old French already play in the Top14 or those cups, sometimes in the U20 6 Nations or World Cup, with a high level of rotation.

The guy was quite ahead in his development, playing during the 2024 6 Nations, he was said to be tested for the Argentina summer tour. And no SR game time.


So I guess that between not getting opportunities to play in the Super Rugby and entering the rotation of a top 3 French team, money isn’t the only thing that could motivate him.

At Toulon, Corentin Mézou is a year younger than Tuifua and has already played in 2 U20 6 Nations, 1 U20 World Cup and played in 5 games for Toulon this season in Top14.

3 Go to comments
J
JPM 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

If you read the French rugby media you will discover that ROG has been admitting himself after various games since the beginning of the Top 14 season that he has been struggling to motivate his players and made mistakes in his handling of young talented players in particular. Unlike other coaches ROG is very honest. But in the same time his whole communication has not been consistent in the last weeks and a bit naive not bringing necessarily a lot of confidence.

25 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

What player issues are you talking about? Everything I’ve read talks about how strong the connections are between Club, players and their families?


And yes, when the Top 14 finishes in June, restarts in September and requires 8wks for rest/preseason, there is no tour solution.

25 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

I guess we’ll see but I’m not convinced Merling operates that way, or at least he hasn’t until now. Success can do strange things to people I suppose.

25 Go to comments
J
JPM 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

The galvanizing of the French rugby at national level only occurred with Shaun E !!! What about Fabien Galthié and the rest of his staff…Obviously SE played a big role but he is not the only one.

I am not pretending that ROG needs the boot. But painting him as not making any mistakes is not correct either. His relationship with his players has been a problem for some time as well as his communication (which he recognizes himself).

Will he be able to reinvent himself?

For the NZ July tests so much has already been written…The perfect solution doesn’t seem to exist and the majority of the French rugby journalists agree that it is a missed opportunity.

25 Go to comments
S
Solomon Acher 2 hours ago
Glasgow bring Scotland brothers back into starting line-up for Leicester clash

After I trusted someone with my money and they refused to let me withdraw from my account and insisted that I pay more money to their fake platform, I was defrauded of $121,000 in Bitcoins. I learnt my lesson the hard way to never trust anyone posing as an agent or account manager. I was fortunate to attract the notice of a coworker who informed me about Wizard James Recovery, a respectable business that has previously assisted numerous individuals in getting their money back.  After I got in touch with them, they assisted me in getting my money back in less than 48 hours.Many thanks, Wizard James, I'm going to keep sharing your information since I know that many others have lost money to these scammers and are being kept captive by them. Here is how to get in touch with them.wizardjamesrecovery @ usa . com

0 Go to comments
S
Solomon Acher 2 hours ago
Blues lose All Black for season ahead of Hurricanes derby

After I trusted someone with my money and they refused to let me withdraw from my account and insisted that I pay more money to their fake platform, I was defrauded of $121,000 in Bitcoins. I learnt my lesson the hard way to never trust anyone posing as an agent or account manager. I was fortunate to attract the notice of a coworker who informed me about Wizard James Recovery, a respectable business that has previously assisted numerous individuals in getting their money back.  After I got in touch with them, they assisted me in getting my money back in less than 48 hours.Many thanks, Wizard James, I'm going to keep sharing your information since I know that many others have lost money to these scammers and are being kept captive by them. Here is how to get in touch with them.wizardjamesrecovery @ usa . com

3 Go to comments
D
Donalds Christiana Alexandria 2 hours ago
Damian McKenzie's positional merry-go-round continues as Chiefs lose All Black to concussion

The first mistake I made was thinking I could multiply my income by investing in cryptocurrency, I fell for a popular investment scam and was swindled of $85,000 in bitcoins. After a few weeks, I came across a notification grom my email while browsing the internet about a recovery agent called James Mckay Wizard that could help me recover my bitcoins in a matter of hours, I was doubtful about it at first but I finally contacted them and in a space of 48 hours He was able to recover all of my money lost in bitcoins. They are the best bitcoins/funds recovery team out there and if you face similar issues, you should contact them immediately. Contact information.. Email: jamesmckaywizard at gmail dot com or what'sapp +31657446248.

0 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

I think the Top 14 is getting much closer to the Soccer model, which means far less forebearance with struggling coaches. Promo/Relegation doesn’t help ofc, as you stand to lose a shedload of revenue if you drop to the Pro D 2. France is the only big league worldwide which uses it now.

25 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

I know it’s desperate and myopic in equal measure G. Les Kiss okay, give the guy some encouragement but at least be realistic with it. He hasn’t won anything at Ulster, Irish or the Reds [yet]…

25 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

I think that’s right. He will have a pick of top jobs - but for the life of me, I cannot see why LAR would want to release him after such a wonderful record there?

25 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

You could make that connection Tom🤣

25 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

The galvanizing of French rugby at national level only occurred with the introduction of Shaun E as defence coach. He’s not the only reason ofc. JIFF quotas etc helped enormously etc.


The galvanizing of French club rugby beyond Toulouse largely occurred with LAR winning two Champions Cups.


I think it’s more accurate to say that ROG is in an interval where he needs to regather himself as a coach, but that is no excuse to give him the boot!


It makes me smile when I hear all the stories of French ‘worldbeaters’ [often from English speaking authors] who turn down the chance to test themselves against the best… July in NZ is the latest example.

25 Go to comments
D
Donalds Christiana Alexandria 3 hours ago
The 132kg scrummaging beast who has Brad Thorn drooling

Despite trying various methods and consulting numerous experts, none could provide a solution. Perry Mark's recommendation of jamesmmckaywizard on her page proved to be a turning point. From the moment I contacted them, their team displayed unmatched professionalism and dedication. Recognizing the urgency, they promptly initiated work on my case, showcasing advanced technology and expertise in cryptocurrency recovery. The team went above and beyond, exploring every possible avenue and providing regular updates on the progress. To my delight, James successfully recovered my BTC wallet, turning my despair into joy and hope for the future. I express my deepest gratitude for their outstanding services and commend Perry for the invaluable recommendation. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend reaching out to Email:jamesmckaywizard at gmail dot com or what'sapp +31- 6 5 7 4 4 6 2 - 4 8 .

0 Go to comments
S
SadersMan 3 hours ago
How Scott Barrett performs in Super Rugby Pacific is not a big deal

Two facts written in stone.


1 Scooter is Razor’s skipper.


2 Jordan is Razor’s #15.


Any conjecture on either is pointless.

5 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Leinster lose James Ryan but another Ireland star back in mix Leinster lose James Ryan but another Ireland star returns
Search