Is Rob Burrow’s Funeral Being Televised?

Rob Burrow, a rugby league icon and motor neurone disease (MND) advocate, passed away earlier this month at the age of 41. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, July 7th, coinciding with Rob Burrow Day, a tribute to his jersey number 7. The service will be held at Pontefract Crematorium and will be a private event for invited guests only. The Burrow family has chosen to keep the funeral a private affair and it will not be televised.

While the funeral itself won’t be broadcast, the public is invited to line the funeral procession route to pay their respects. The route will begin at 1:00 PM BST on July 7th and will pass by significant locations, including the Xscape leisure complex, Pontefract Racecourse, Featherstone Lions ARLFC’s ground, and areas where Burrow played junior rugby. This allows fans and admirers to honor Burrow’s legacy while respecting the family’s wish for a private farewell.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rob Burrow Fund or the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. These organizations support MND research and patient care, causes that Burrow championed throughout his illness. Leeds City Council will also host a civic reception in Burrow’s honor on July 12th, which will be live-streamed, offering a public opportunity to commemorate his life and achievements.

Burrow’s impact extended far beyond the rugby field. Following his diagnosis in 2019, he tirelessly raised awareness and funds for MND research alongside his former teammate, Kevin Sinfield. Their efforts generated millions for MND charities and inspired countless individuals. Although the funeral will not be televised, the public has numerous avenues to honor Burrow’s memory and continue his fight against MND.