Castleford Tigers head coach Ian Millward is on compassionate leave following the sudden death of his son.

The Stobart Super League club have confirmed that 19-year-old Robbie Millward died in a Bolton hospital yesterday, having been taken ill at his home in Leigh in the morning.

Millward, who was returning to England with his team following Saturday’s match against Catalan Dragons in Perpignan when he heard the news, subsequently confirmed that his son had suffered a massive heart attack.

He issued the following statement: “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.

“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.”

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.”