"The whole sport can be very proud": Fans react to Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow's moving testimonial appearance

Around 21,000 fans filled the sold-out Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls testimonial match for Jamie Jones-Buchanan on Sunday afternoon at the Emerald Headingley Stadium.

It was a joint fundraiser after 37-year-old former Rhinos player Burrow was diagnosed with the rare and incurable brain and nerve condition motor neurone disease (MND).

Burrow, who now coaches at the club, was told before Christmas that he had the incurable degenerative neurological condition.

He and Jones-Buchanan were led out by their young children ahead of their final appearance at Headingley in the game, which Rhinos won 34 points to 10.

A Virgin Money Giving appeal for Burrow launched last month has hit almost £265,000.

Sky Sports, who broadcast the match live, will be donating all of their expenses to the appeal.

Rugby League fans shared their appreciation for Burrow online.

Sharing the Yorkshire Evening Post's front page of Burrow and his young son, former Yorkshire and England cricketer Michael Vaughan posted on Instagram: "Rugby league is a special sport. Rob is a special guy. Was such a hard emotional watch but one the whole sport can be very proud of...Great tribute."

Writing on Facebook, Craig Brannan said: "Absolute show of unity and fellowship from all the RL community. Brought tears to my eyes, have to feel for Rob and family."

Alan Hirst said: "I was hoping they would give him the ball and side step in for a try instead they knocked seven bells out of each other, but that’s RL for you - hard fair professionals and no divas. Premier League take note."

Elizabeth Ellis added: "Bless him. He has a nation behind him, keep fighting lad."

While Michael Kleinman said: "Never known an atmosphere like it before at Headingley. So much love and tears for a great player! Rob was so emotional the players stood and the crowd were silent as he spoke."

The Virgin Money Giving appeal fund will support Rob in his treatment and help his wife and three young children, all under the age of eight, in the years ahead.