Leeds Rhinos to Honor Rugby League Legend Rob Burrow with Long-Term Tribute
In the wake of the passing of rugby league icon Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos have unveiled their plans for a lasting commemoration of the beloved player. Just a week after his untimely death, the club has already begun the process of preserving the tributes left by fans at Headingley Stadium and Wembley Stadium.
Starting this week, Rhinos staff have commenced the task of carefully storing the items, including shirts and other mementos, that have been left as tributes. The club’s aim is to ensure these sentimental offerings are safeguarded from the elements, allowing Burrow’s legacy to be memorialized in a fitting manner.
“This is to ensure that they do not get damaged by the weather and the site remains a fitting tribute to Rob,” the club explained.
Each item will be photographed and compiled into a commemorative book, with copies provided to Burrow’s family, displayed at the stadium, and housed in the newly established Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
Furthermore, the Rhinos have confirmed they will work closely with Burrow’s family to determine how the shirts can be integrated into a permanent display at Headingley Stadium. Notes and non-fresh flowers left as tributes will also be preserved, with the latter composted and added to the club’s Memorial Garden.
Fans will continue to have the opportunity to pay their respects at the stadium over the next two weeks, with the South Stand open daily from 8 am to 8 pm for them to lay flowers around the John Holmes statue. To ensure all messages are captured, the club has requested that no additional clothing items be brought to the site.
Upcoming Tribute Match and Commemorative Shirt
Looking ahead, the Rhinos have announced that their next home match against the Leigh Leopards, scheduled on Global MND Awareness Day, will be a celebration of Burrow’s life. A special commemorative shirt, designed by Cath Muir who was diagnosed with MND in 2014, will be worn, with £10 from each sale donated to the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
The club is also working closely with the Burrow family to coordinate the details of the private funeral service, while also planning a larger, public civic event to be streamed for well-wishers to pay their respects.
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