Seven-year-old Jackson Burrow stole the show yesterday at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, scoring a beautiful try in the third annual 745 Game — the cross-code charity match that brings rugby league and union legends together to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease.
The youngster, son of the late rugby league great Rob Burrow, was given his moment in the spotlight during the match, which saw Team Burrow — a side packed with league icons — take on Team Ed Slater, featuring some of union’s biggest names.
It was a moment that had everyone in the ground on their feet, and it’s fair to say there weren’t many dry eyes in the house as Jackson made his mark on a day dedicated to his father’s memory.
Handed the ball by a teammate, Jackson set off on a weaving run from the halfway line, sidestepping opponents who towered over him as he charged towards the try line.
Jackson Burrow ducked and weaved through some of rugby’s finest to score a beautiful try
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The seven-year-old looked absolutely thrilled as he launched himself over the whitewash to touch down, and what followed was just brilliant — his teammates scooped him up into the air and gave him a pat on the head.
The crowd loved every second of it, cheering the youngster on from the moment he received the ball to the moment he grounded it.
Players from both sides joined in too, clapping and offering their congratulations to Jackson as the whole stadium shared in a truly special moment.
The 745 Game takes its name from the shirt numbers of the three rugby stars it honours — Rob Burrow (7), Ed Slater (4), and Doddie Weir (5) — and exists to raise money and awareness for MND.
The match itself is a brilliant blend of both codes, played 13-a-side with a hybrid ruleset that Rob Burrow and Ed Slater originally cooked up together in a WhatsApp conversation.
Rugby legend Rob Burrow died following a battle with MND in 2024
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BBCIt features elements from both league and union, including six-tackle turnovers, uncontested lineouts and scrums, and a unique scoring system awarding five points for a try and two for conversions, penalties, or drop goals.
The fixture, broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, returned to Leicester’s Mattioli Woods Welford Road for its third year running on Sunday evening.
Those watching at home were equally moved. “This is quality,” commented rugby fan Andrew Forde, while Mike Marsh called it “What an absolute joy to see. Truly remarkable.”
“Fantastic – well done little man and all involved!” added Mark Smith, and @CallumPersy didn’t hold back either: “Absolutely unreal this. Video of the year.”
The MND Association also shared the love on social media with a heart emoji.
Rob Burrow passed away in 2024 at the age of 41, but not before he and former teammate Kevin Sinfield raised more than $40 million for MND charities.
Both received CBEs for their incredible efforts.
Ed Slater, the former Gloucester and Leicester Tigers player, was diagnosed with MND in July 2022 aged 33 and has since set up the 4Ed Foundation to support families affected by the disease.
