Castleford head coach Ian Millward is on compassionate leave following the sudden death of his son.
Cas coach taking a break after sudden death of son
Castleford head coach Ian Millward is on compassionate leave following the sudden death of his son.
The Super League club confirmed on Monday that 19-year-old Robbie Millward died in a Bolton hospital on Sunday.
A statement said: "The club is shocked and deeply saddened by the death yesterday of Robbie Millward, son of Tigers head coach Ian Millward.
"Robbie was taken ill at his home in Leigh on Sunday morning and was then rushed to Bolton Hospital where he died later in the evening.
"All our thoughts are with Ian and his family at this sad time."
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Millward, formerly with Leigh, St Helens and Wigan, was returning to England with his team following Saturday's match against Catalan Dragons in Perpignan when he heard the news.
"On behalf of all our family, we would like to thank everybody for their kind messages of support, especially the rugby league family from both the UK and Australia," he said in a statement released on Monday.
"The messages have been of comfort in this time of great sadness.
"Robbie was a healthy young boy who died from a condition called sudden adult death syndrome, which comprises of a massive heart attack.
"The sudden nature of his death is making it even harder for us to deal with.
"We ask that journalists allow us the space and time needed to come to terms with the loss of Robbie.
"Instead of flowers, we ask any well-wishers to donate to the British Heart Foundation."
Millward's daughter Katie, an assistant producer at
Sky Sports, tweeted: "Our son and brother has passed away from an unexpected heart attack.
"We love him and miss him and thank you for your kind words. The Millwards."
The Rugby Football League has extended its condolences to the Castleford coach.
"On behalf of the whole rugby league community, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Ian, his family and Robbie's friends at this terrible news," said RFL chairman Richard Lewis.
"The thoughts of everyone involved in the sport are with the Millward family and friends at this very sad time."
