Written by Mike Carter, Hull KR Shirts.
Sadly on Sunday 2nd June 2024, it was announced that Rugby League and Leeds Rhinos Legend, Rob Burrow had passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a four-and-a-half-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Rob’s braveness and desire to bring attention to the disease through his own experiences must be commended as he faced his future with zero fear and lived every day to its fullest.
I am sure that if you are reading this, Rob’s actions have impacted your life in someway shape or form both before and after his diagnosis. The BBC have done a tremendous job covering Rob’s journey and the awareness they have created towards MND. As has his friend a d former Rhinos team mate, Kevin Sinfield, who, alongside Rob, has raised over 15 million pounds towards the fight to find a cure of MND.
Hull KR’s kit partner, Oxen have worked closely with Leeds Rhinos, Kevin Sinfield and the Motor Neurone Disease Association to manufacturer apparel to help raise funds and awareness of MND to support with finding a cure.
On Friday 7th June, Hull KR revealed that they were putting into production a warm-up tee that would be worn pre-game against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley on Saturday 20th July with 100% of the profits going to the MDNA.
The shirt was only available through pre-order, and orders could be placed in a 72 hour window ending on Monday 10th June at 09:00AM. A sensible move by Hull KR, meaning they could control the units they ordered, in a Club retail market where units appear to be selling quicker than they can get them on the shelves, everyone who wanted one, appeared guaranteed to get one within the assigned window.
The tee has been created using MNDA’s primary colour combination of blue and orange, whilst including a primary feature of a Hull KR shirt with a broad band through the middle of the shirt. Naturally the shirt carries the Oxen maker marker and Hull KR club crest. Below the neckline on the front features the hashtag #ONEROBBURROW.
On the reverse of the shirt, the main feature is ‘Burrow 7″ in orange. Above this is the MNDA logo in its natural colourway with the Hull KR Robin icon below the neckline. There is some sleeve detail, with an orange stripe going from neckline to cuff.
The shirts arrived with the club prior to the fixture with Catalans Dragons on Saturday 6th July with supporters orders being fulfilled at pace. Many decided to wear their shirts and it was wonderful to see so many MNDA tees on show at Craven Park. The quality is excellent and the shirt is very comfortable to wear, as are all Oxen styled training tees.
I can imagine the away end at Headingley to be flooded with the MNDA tees during the Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR Super League fixture on Saturday 20th July, and I for one can’t wait to be one of those there that day, paying tribute to a Rugby League Legend.
Rest in peace, Rob. You are one of a kind.
Added note: On Sunday 21st July, Hull KR confirmed that £12,000 was raised by the supporters who purchased the MND Association Warm Up tee! Fantastic work, Robins!
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