Rob Burrow, the star player for Leeds Rhinos and England, passed away on June 2 after a long battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

He was just 41 years old. Hundreds gathered at Leeds Civic Hall for a funeral reception to honor his life and contributions.

Burrow’s family, along with about 180 others, attended the event organized by Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds. Among the attendees were Jamie Jones-Buchanan, his former teammate, Tanya Curry, CEO of the MND Association, and James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council.

As the cortege made its way to a private service on July 7, the streets were lined with people wearing Leeds Rhino shirts, paying their respects. Burrow’s wife Lindsey, their three children, and his family accompanied him. The hearse made a poignant stop at Featherstone Lions’ ground, where Burrow played junior rugby.

Rob’s wife Lindsey paid tribute, saying the rugby star “made the world a better place.” Burrow’s final message urged everyone not to “waste a moment” of their lives, reminding us that “In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”