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The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Welsh rugby
Tributes have been pouring in for a popular former Wales under-21’s rugby player described by friends as a ‘gentle giant’.
Rob Mills sadly passed away last Friday at the age of 45 following repeated complications in the wake of a double-lung transplant. His passing has sparked well wishes from across the Welsh rugby family.
Mills started his playing career at Rhayader Rugby Club, where he’d later go on to serve as a player coach, and also enjoyed stints at Builth Wells and Caerleon.
He was also capped for Wales at under-21s level, and was also on the books at the Scarlets between 2000 and 2002.
Mills would go on to become a renowned star for Wales’ deaf team, and his passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes.
In an emotional statement released through Builth Wells RFC, his wife Jade said: “Rob was my absolute whole world, we loved each other so intensely.
“We’ve had the most wonderful 10 years together and just three years ago welcomed our darling little boy Morgan Robert Mills into the world. Rob absolutely idolised his boys, he really was the greatest Daddy.
“We were so excited for our future, we wanted to be together forever. We thought that after Rob had had his double lung transplant we would get that life that we so desperately wanted, but devastating complications repeatedly kept happening and I have now forever lost my love.
“Rob was loved by absolutely everyone and I am so very proud of him.”
In a statement of their own, Builth Wells said it was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Rob’s rugby journey was one of real achievement,” the club said.
“Rob will be remembered not only for his ability on the field, but for the pride, commitment, and respect he brought to the game throughout his career.
“Today, our thoughts are with Rob’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“He will always be part of the Builth Wells RFC family.”
WRU Deaf posted their own tribute in light of the news.
“Millsy was a Wales deaf rugby player for many years, and represented us on a number of occasions,” they said in a statement.
“He was part of our squads who toured South Africa and Norway, and he played against England Deaf Rugby on a number of occasions.
“Millsy was an excellent front row forward, and a true warrior. Those who played with him always remarked on his toughness and unwillingness to ever give up.
“He played for many representative teams and represented wales at age grade level.
“Anyone who knew Millsy would never forget him. He was a larger than life character, and a great person to have in and around your team. The stories of Millsy on tours are endless.
“He left an indelible mark on Wales Deaf Rugby, and is a true legend of our team. He will never be forgotten.
“The outpouring of emotion since the announcement of his passing tells you all you need to know about this special person.”
Speaking to WalesOnline, Caerleon RFC president Nigel Puddy said: “Rob was a lovely man. A hard player. A hard prop. Very physical. But off the field he was the typical gentle giant.
“He was very generous. I’d heard during Covid he’d gone out of his way to do things to help people out.
“I think he knew someone that was having building work done and couldn’t get the materials to finish off what he was doing, and then Rob went round and got him things he couldn’t get, all in his spare time.
“He was a very, very generous man.
“A big man, but quietly spoken. He wasn’t one for shouting or anything like that.
“One of life’s good guys.”
It’s understood Caerleon are set to discuss a possible tribute to Mills in the coming days, and the club will hold a minute’s silence ahead of their fixture with Garndiffaith.
