Leeds Rhinos confirm death of Geoff Burrow - dad of Rob Burrow and 'devoted' Motor Neurone Disease campaigner
The father of Leeds Rhinos legend and Motor Neurone Disease campaigner Rob Burrow has died.
The rugby league club has confirmed the death of Geoff Burrow this morning (Monday), who was a lifelong fan of the club and took Rob to his first game.
He went on to campaign tirelessly and helped raise millions for research into Motor Neurone Disease after Rob was diagnosed with the degenerative condition in 2019.
Rob died two years ago, leaving widow Lindsey and children Jackson, Macy and Maya, as well as his parents Geoff and Irene.
A statement from Leeds Rhinos said: “It is with deep sadness that the club has learnt of the passing on Monday, March 30, of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow, after a period of ill health.
“Leeds-born Geoff was a tireless campaigner for the MND community following Rob’s diagnosis in December 2019 and continued that work after Rob’s passing in June 2024.
“A devoted husband, father and a grandfather, Geoff brought Rob to his first ever game at Headingley and started his love of the Rhinos.”
The statement continued: “Geoff was always a champion for those who did not have a voice throughout his career as a trade union representative.
“The club would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Geoff’s wife Irene and the Burrow family at this sad time. We would like to ask that the family are given privacy at this time. May he rest in peace.”
Geoff Burrow was project manager and sports officer and branch secretary at the GMB union’s sports section.
News of Geoff Burrow’s death prompted a surge of love and support from the rugby league community. Hull FC, Hull KR, Bradford Bulls, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors were among the Super League clubs to voice their sadness on social media, alongside the sport’s governing body the RFL.
Dozens of fans also responded, along with past players including Rob Burrow’s former Leeds teammates Barrie McDermott and Ryan Bailey and St Helens legend Paul Sculthorpe.
Sculthorpe wrote: “Heartbreaking news. God bless you Geoff x”, while Bailey added: “RIP Geoff great man fly high”.