Mourners line the streets for funeral of rugby league legend Rob Burrow

Hndreds of supporters pay their respects to rugby league legend Rob Burrow, as ITV News North of England Correspondent Rachel Townsend reports

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets of Leeds on Sunday to pay their respects to rugby league legend Rob Burrow.

The former scrum half, who played for Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain, died on June 2 this year after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019.

His funeral was held on July 7, dubbed 'Rob Burrow Day' by Leeds Rhinos, in honour of the number seven shirt he wore during his time playing for the club.

Burrow's family and friends attended a private service at Pontefract Crematorium, but fans were invited to gather along the streets as the funeral cortège made its way to the service.

Kevin Sinfield, Burrow’s close friend and former team-mate, has been granted compassionate leave from England’s tour of New Zealand to fly home and attend the funeral.

Members of Featherstone Lions ARLFC gather on the street to watch the funeral cortege. Credit: PA
A funeral wreath in the hearse at Pontefract Crematorium. Credit: PA

Defence coach Sinfield will miss the first Test against the All Blacks on July 6 but plans to return in time for the second Test in Auckland the following weekend.

He worked with Burrow to raise millions to build a new care centre for MND patients.

Mourners gather before the funeral for former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow. Credit: PA

Burrow's entire rugby league career was spent with Leeds Rhinos, where he helped them win eight Super League titles.

Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, said in the early stage of Burrow's rugby career, the player doubted his ability because of his height.

He said on Sunday: “He did prove himself big enough… he was big in heart, spirit determination and ability. An iconic sportsman.”

The funeral cortege arrives at Pontefract Crematorium, West Yorkshire before the funeral for former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow Credit: PA

Burrow retired in 2017, two years before his MND diagnosis was revealed.

Leeds City Council and the Lord Mayor of Leeds hosted an invite-only civic reception in honour of Burrow on Friday July 5.

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