Leeds Rhinos' Rob Burrow MBE awarded Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University

Rob Burrow MBE has added a new honour to his collection after being awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University.
Rob Burrow MBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Sport Science (photo: Leeds Beckett University)Rob Burrow MBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Sport Science (photo: Leeds Beckett University)
Rob Burrow MBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Sport Science (photo: Leeds Beckett University)

Rob has won every honour with Leeds Rhinos after playing his entire 17-season career with the club - and his newest addition is an Honorary Doctor of Sport Science.

The Pontefract-born player branded the Leeds Beckett University award as a 'huge honour and privilege'.

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He received the award from Sir Bob Murray CBE, Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University and Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University in an online ceremony attended by his family.

Speaking about the Honorary Doctorate, Rob said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University.

"I am very grateful for the support of everyone at the university."

Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport, said: “Rob has inspired athletes and the public in Leeds, Yorkshire and throughout the country.

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"Not only a competitor on the field who gave his all for the team, he is selflessly taking on his newest challenge head-on, to improve the lives of those living with Motor Neurone Disease.”

Rob first played rugby for Featherstone Lions amateur rugby league club, before rising through Leeds Rhinos Academy and making his professional debut in 2001.

In his first season, he scored seven tries in 17 games and was voted as Super League Young Player of the Year.

Rob also represented England and Great Britain internationally for a decade, joining the England team in 2003 before triumphing in the Great Britain side in 2007, claiming a Series whitewash over New Zealand and deservedly being named Player of the Tournament.

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He announced his retirement in 2017 and began his coaching career the next year as Under 18s Academy Head Coach at Leeds Rhinos.

In December 2019, Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and has since channeled his energies into working tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to support others who are living with the disease.

Honorary Doctorates at Leeds Beckett are conferred on individuals whose achievements reflect the values of the university or on individuals who have made a positive impact on Leeds or on the region.

Since 1982, the university has each year recognised individuals who have excelled in their chosen field or made a significant contribution to public life with an Honorary Award.

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