Rob Burrow's former school opens gym in his name

A fitness centre named in honour of rugby league player Rob Burrow has opened at his former school in West Yorkshire.

The Rob Burrow Fitness Suite was officially opened at Airedale Academy in Castleford earlier, with a new annual rugby league tournament also held in his name.

The facility, which is open to pupils, staff and the wider community, was opened by Burrow's wife, Lindsey, and his former Leeds Rhinos teammate and close friend, Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

Airedale Academy head teacher Andy Percival said he hoped it would "inspire generations to come".

Following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, Burrow became an inspirational figure for his work raising awareness of the incurable condition, as well as for his fundraising efforts alongside another close friend and former teammate, Kevin Sinfield.

He died in June 2024 aged 41, though Sinfield has continued to raise millions for MND charities.

The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, paid for by the pair's charity work, is set to open at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds later this summer.

"Rob's legacy is one of courage, excellence, and community," said Mr Percival.

"We are honoured to celebrate his life and achievements through this new facility and tournament, which we hope will inspire generations to come."

The inaugural Rob Burrow Trust Rugby League Varsity Tournament involved 250 pupils from school across the Castleford Academy Trust, which runs Airdale Academy, Castleford Academy and Crofton Academy.

George Panayiotou, the trust's CEO, said Burrow's legacy "continues to shape the values we hold dear across our Trust—care, aspiration, and success".

"The Rob Burrow Fitness Suite and the inaugural Trust Rugby League Varsity Tournament are fitting tributes to a man who has given so much to the world of sport and beyond," he added.

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