Leeds Rhinos fan and new world darts champion Peter Wright backs Rob Burrow fund

LEEDS RHINOS have a fan in darts’ new world champion Peter Wright – and the colourful star has become the latest high-profile sportsman to back the Rob Burrow fund.
Peter Wright celebrates during his victory over Michael Van Gerwan in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship. Picture: Lawrence Lustig.Peter Wright celebrates during his victory over Michael Van Gerwan in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship. Picture: Lawrence Lustig.
Peter Wright celebrates during his victory over Michael Van Gerwan in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship. Picture: Lawrence Lustig.

Wright has followed Rhinos’ fortunes since meeting some of their players during a promotion at Emerald Headingley in 2016. The 49-year-old Scot, nicknamed Snakebite, produced a sensational performance to defeat defending champion Michael van Gerwen in the William Hill World final at London’s Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day and has offered to provide a souvenir to raise money for Burrow who has been diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease.

“I was really shocked to hear about Rob Burrow and it’s great to see the reaction since then for him,” Wright said of the former Rhinos star and current reserve team coach.

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He added: “It was great to meet some of the [Rhinos] guys when we launched the Premier League in Leeds in 2016 and I’ve followed their progress ever since. I did some filming with Jamie Jones-Buchanan too a couple of years ago and he’s brilliant. They are amazing athletes, but lovely guys too.”

Rob Burrow.Rob Burrow.
Rob Burrow.

Wright will be on stage in Leeds when the Unibet Premier League visits First Direct Arena on Thursday, May 14.

That is the day before Rhinos’ home clash against Huddersfield Giants and with Wright also due to play in Barnsley that weekend, he could have time to attend a game for the first time.

“We’ve got a few weeks [off] now so I can enjoy a bit of a break, but then I’m getting ready for the Masters at the end of January and then the Premier League,” Wright said. “Every night in the Premier League will be great and that’s a big target now, to hopefully get my hands on that trophy too.”

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Wright, who lost to van Gerwen in the 2016 world final, is one of the most popular champions in the event’s history.

Peter Wright in action against Michael Van Gerwan in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship. Picture: Lawrence Lustig.Peter Wright in action against Michael Van Gerwan in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship. Picture: Lawrence Lustig.
Peter Wright in action against Michael Van Gerwan in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship. Picture: Lawrence Lustig.

“I’m on top of the world,” he said of his triumph. “It’s crazy – I’ve beaten Michael many times before, but to win the World Championship against him is absolutely amazing. You can’t change your past but you can change your future, that’s what I believe and I’m determined to enjoy this now.”