Northern Plans Train Naming After Rugby Legend Rob Burrow

Northern Trains has announced plans to name a train after Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Rob Burrow, who passed away in June 2024 at age 41. The train's artwork, developed in collaboration with Burrow's family and the MND Association, will honor his legacy and raise awareness of MND during an unveiling event in West Yorkshire later this year. Burrow, who won multiple championships in his 16-year career, spent his final years campaigning alongside former teammate Kevin Sinfield, together raising over £15 million for MND research. Northern has launched a '7 weeks of summer' campaign encouraging its 7,000 employees to participate in fundraising activities, including walks between northern towns associated with Super League rugby teams. The naming was initiated by Northern employees, Wakefield Council, and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, reflecting widespread admiration for Burrow's spirit and commitment to helping those affected by MND. MND Association representatives highlighted Burrow's courage in publicly sharing his diagnosis, noting the train naming as a meaningful tribute to his life and ongoing impact.