Prince of Wales pays tribute to rugby 'legend' Rob Burrow

Image caption, Rob was the first person to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story using a special computer controlled by his eyes

Prince William has paid tribute to one of Rugby League's greatest players Rob Burrow, who has died aged 41.

The Prince of Wales said Rob was a rugby "legend" with a "huge heart".

Rob played for Leeds Rhinos for 17 years and was one of the most successful Rugby League players in history.

He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019, a condition that affects the brain and nerves.

Rob read a CBeebies Bedtime Story in 2022, and was recently awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge for raising awareness of MND.

Who was Rob Burrow?

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Rob Burrow is known as one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time

Rob made nearly 500 appearances for Leeds Rhinos.

At the club, he won eight Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups, as well as earning 15 caps for England.

Two years after retiring he was diagnosed with MND, and went on to raise awareness of the condition.

Image caption, Rob and his best friend Kevin Sinfield received Blue Peter's highest award

He read a CBeebies Bedtime Story on International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2022.

He used a special computer controlled by his eyes to read the story, marking聽the first time a Bedtime Story had been read in this way.

Rob was recently awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge for his fundraising and campaigning around MND.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Prince William gave Rob a CBE for his work raising awareness of MND

Announcing his death, Leeds Rhinos said Rob would "continue to inspire us all every day".

"Rob never accepted that he couldn't do something. He just found his way of doing it better than anyone else."