Wife leads moving tributes to 'gentle giant' of Welsh rugby

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a popular former Wales under-21s 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 on the books at the Scarlets between 2000 and 2002.

Mills would go on to become a renowned star for Wales' deaf team.

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.