Leeds Rhinos have announced their plans for a long-term tribute to rugby league legend Rob Burrow, a week after his passing.
Shirts and other items have been left at Headingley Stadium since the sad news, while those left at Wembley Stadium on the day of the Challenge Cup final have also been transported to the Rhinos’ stadium.
However, the club has now revealed their plans for a longer-term tribute.
From Monday this week, staff have started to store things that have been left as a tribute.
The reason for this, according to the club, is: “This is to ensure that they do not get damaged by the weather and the site remains a fitting tribute to Rob.
“Each will be photographed and put into a book, copies of which will go to the family, one at the stadium and one to be housed in the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND.”
They have also confirmed that they will determine, with Rob’s family, how shirts could be used as a permanent tribute at the stadium.
This drone footage shows the tributes left for Rob Burrow outside Headingley Stadium.
The rugby shirts will form part of a permanent tribute to the Leeds Rhinos star. You can read more here: https://t.co/DF1KMGv386 pic.twitter.com/53GlLShbPz
— BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) June 10, 2024
The Rhinos also confirmed that notes on flowers will be photographed for the book, while non-fresh flowers will be composted, with the compost being added to the club’s Memorial Garden at the stadium.
Photos will also be available to view via a gallery on the club’s website.
People can still visit the stadium throughout the next fortnight, with the South Stand open from 8am until 8pm each day for people to lay flowers around the base of the John Holmes statue.
To make sure all messages are captured permanently, they ask that no more items of clothing are taken there.
Leeds Rhinos have already announced plans that their next home game against Leigh Leopards, which takes place on Global MND Awareness Day will be a celebration of Rob’s life.
For that game, a special shirt will be worn, designed by Cath Muir, who was diagnosed with MND in 2014.
£10 from the sale of every shirt will be donated to the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
Image courtesy of Leeds Rhinos
They also said: “The club are co-ordinating with the Burrow family around the details of Rob’s funeral, which will take place in early July.
“This will be a private event for family and friends however there will be a chance for members of the public to pay tribute to Rob on his final journey, details of this will be published nearer the time.
“The club are also working with Leeds City Council for a larger, civic event following Rob’s funeral that will be streamed for well wishers to watch.
“Details of this will be announced in due course.“
