Challenge Cup final to be delayed by seven minutes in tribute to the late great Rob Burrow - as Rugby League world gets set to mark Leeds Rhinos legend's tragic passing

The men’s Challenge Cup final kick-off will be delayed by seven minutes on Saturday as a tribute to the late Rob Burrow, who wore the No7 shirt throughout his career.

The Leeds Rhinos legend died last Sunday aged 41 following a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.

The RFL had already announced plans for a minute’s silence at Wembley before the men’s and women’s finals, as well as a minute’s applause after seven minutes.

But a further tribute will now be paid to Burrow by starting the men’s clash between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors at 3.07pm rather than 3pm.

Players will also walk-out at Wembley wearing blue MND Association tops, the charity Burrow and his former Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield have supported in recent times.

Fans will be able to pay their respects by leaving floral tributes by the rugby league statue outside Wembley from 9.45am on Saturday.

‘Once the shock and sadness of Sunday night’s news had sunk in, we recognised the responsibility to provide a fitting celebration of a rugby league superhero,’ said Rhodri Jones, the managing director of Rugby League Commercial.

‘Challenge Cup final day has a great tradition of the rugby league family coming together. This year, for reasons none would have chosen, we will be united in grief, but also in paying suitable tribute to a player who has transcended the sport.

‘We are grateful to BBC Sport and Wembley Stadium for their support.’

Wigan captain Liam Farrell, who played alongside Burrow for England, added: ‘It’s an iconic week for rugby league and we're talking about an iconic player.

‘It's very sad news but also we will make sure we remember a legend this week.’