Anyone watching England vs France today who wasn’t a die hard rugby league fan might question why England’s kit had a splash of orange on the kit and some dark blue and no red.
The shirt is raising money as it pays tribute to a kit worn by one of English rugby league’s greatest in the shape of Rob Burrow.
The Leeds Rhinos legend played a key role the last time England won a tournament against France and Wales in 2012 as teammate Kevin Sinfield captained the side.
The shirt replicates the design of that shirt but replaces the red with the Motor Neurone Disease Association colours as Burrow continues to fight the awful disease for a fourth year.
Money raised from the short goes towards MNDA.
But the tributes to Burrow didn’t end there as his children carried out the match ball today as Burrow watched on from the crowd in what was a heartwarming moment for the family.
England’s players did their best to pay tribute to him as well with a 64-0 win and a former Leeds teammate in Ash Handley notching a hat-trick.
Meanwhile, Hull KR Jez Litten darted out of dummy half in Burrow fashion. At one point he looked set to score a typical Burrow try.
After the game, England coach Shaun Wane was asked about the moment and it being like a Burrow dart.
He agreed: “I know the run you are on about and I thought the exact same thing. I thought he was going to score.
“He reminded me of a Rob type of run. I thought Jez did great.
“I thought our bench did great. What you need from your bench is a lift and today we got that certainly.
“Tyler Dupree was good and James Harrison was good. I was really impressed especially with the little details that you might not notice.”
As Litten got his chance to debut for England, teammate Mikey Lewis was left out.
Here is what Wane said on the matter:
“Having that conversation with him and Josh wasn’t easy. Normally I find it quite easy but that wasn’t.
“The way they have trained and handled themselves they have been impeccable and they are a credit to their clubs.
“I am so impressed. The way they have got behind the other players despite the disappointment has impressed me even more.
“They have really put their hands up.”