Rob Burrow and family celebrate at home as Leeds win Challenge Cup
The 38-year-old was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December.
Guest of honour Rob Burrow celebrated with his family from home as Leeds clinched their dramatic Coral Challenge Cup final victory over Salford.
The BBC has posted footage of the former Rhinos and Great Britain scrum-half, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December, watching the decisive closing stages of the game, during which skipper Luke Gale’s late drop goal secured a 17-16 win.
Burrow was chief guest “in absentia” for the showcase final at Wembley after turning down an invitation to attend the game in person and can be seen giving a thumbs-up to the camera as his children cheer and sing.
Leeds had hoped the 38-year-old would be able to lead out the team with whom he won the trophy in 2014 and 2015, but the Rugby Football League ensured he was at still centre-stage as he followed in the footsteps of both the Queen and her grandson, the Duke of Sussex.
Burrow’s life with MND was highlighted in an emotional documentary broadcast in the run-up to the final, and speaking after the game, Gale, who wore his predecessor’s number seven shirt, said: “It’s fitting that I’ve got his number seven jersey. I know he will have been watching and I hope we did him proud.
“It’s been a tough week. We all watched the documentary and he’s heroic. I hope we put a smile on his face today.”
