Rob Mills: Wife Leads Tributes As Rugby Player Dies at the Age of 45
- A Welsh Rugby club has announced the passing of well-respected player, Rob Mills, who died at the age of 45 in Wales
- Mills' death came as a surprise to many in the Wales rugby community, with the reason behind his death also being explained
- The deceased wife led the tributes on social media before other rugby lovers all around the world joined to mourn the Welsh star
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Tributes have poured in following the death of a much-loved former Wales Under-21s rugby player, Rob Mills, fondly remembered by many as a “gentle giant.”
Mills started his rugby journey at Rhayader Rugby Club, where he later took on the role of player-coach, and also featured for Builth Wells and Caerleon during his career.
Source: Getty Images
He earned international recognition by representing Wales at the Under-21 level and was on the books of the Scarlets from 2000 to 2002.
Mills later established himself as a standout figure in the Welsh deaf rugby team, with his passing sparking widespread tributes from across the rugby community.
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The Builth Wells RFC player passed away on Friday, 9 January 2026, at the age of 45 after enduring ongoing complications related to a double lung transplant. News of his death has led to an overwhelming wave of tributes and sympathy messages from across the Welsh rugby fraternity.
The rugby community has lost several top personalities recently. The news about Mills' death comes after the passing of rugby icon Joyce Churchill, who died at the age of 99, and former South Africa rugby referee Max Baise.
Builth Wells RFC confirm Mills' passing
Builth Wells RFC issued an official statement on their Facebook page to confirm the death of Mills.
The Welsh club conveyed their profound sadness in response to the news, describing it as a deeply distressing one for them.
"Everyone connected to Builth Wells RFC is mourning the loss of Rob Mills, a former First XV player whose impact and standing within the rugby fraternity were widely admired," the statement reads.
"Rob enjoyed an accomplished rugby career from an early stage, earning recognition as an exceptional prospect. His talent saw him represent Wales at the Under-21 level and secure two years with the Scarlets between 2000 and 2002.
"Rob’s legacy will forever remain part of the Builth Wells RFC community. Rest in peace, Rob."
Tributes as Mills died at age 45
Mills' wife, Jade, led the emotional tributes as she mourned the death of her husband alongside rugby clubs and rugby supporters.
Rob’s wife Jade said he was the centre of her life, explaining that their love was deep and unwavering. She reflected on the decade they spent together, describing it as a beautiful journey, and spoke fondly of welcoming their beloved son, Morgan Robert Mills, three years ago.
According to Jade, Rob adored his children beyond measure and was an exceptional father who lived for his boys. She added that they had eagerly looked ahead to a lifetime together and believed that Rob’s double lung transplant would finally allow them to enjoy the future they had long hoped for.
Source: Facebook
Tragically, ongoing medical complications shattered those dreams, leaving her to face life without the man she loved. Jade concluded by saying Rob was cherished by everyone who knew him and that she remains immensely proud of him.
Fans also joined Jade in mourning the death of Mills on social media.
Tim Stones said:
"Deeply sad to learn of Rob's passing. Far, far too young. I was the team manager for SA Deaf Rugby when Rob toured SA with his Welsh team: a great player and a gentleman. My thoughts are with Rob's family and close friends."
DanandShan Forrester wrote:
"So sorry to hear this. Love to all his family. I have lots of happy memories of Rob all through our school and college years and with the love of the game 🏉"
Shelley Elizabeth shared:
"Thoughts with Rob's family, Nic and the boys, taken far too soon. One of Shaun's front row partners in crime from youth and many years after, big man, big fun, never a dull moment!! RIP Millsy."
Andy Powell commented:
"What a gentleman of a guy. My condolences go to all his family. RIP, my friend ❤️."
Nigel Meek
"My sincere condolences to Rob's family, I toured with Rob with the Crawshays u 19 team to South africa in 1998, I was the forward,s coach, Rob was one of our props in what was a very talented squad, he was an outstanding player on that tour, a tour where we were undefeated, off the field he was a great character who helped make the tour such a success, to learn of his passing is heartbreaking, my thoughts are with his family at this time ❤️,"
Lyndon Hammonds
"Millsy, what a player. Builth were so lucky to have him played hard and partied hard. You will be missed. Sleep tight, big man ❤️."
SA rugby player dies during training
Briefly News earlier reported that a South African rugby player passed on after getting injured during a training session.
According to the report, the youngster received medical attention after getting injured, but sadly, he was unable to survive.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
