Much-loved football and rugby commentator dies, aged 45

'A much-loved friend and colleague to so many. We’re devastated by his passing'

A much-loved commentator who covered rugby, football and golf has died, aged 45. talkSPORT has paid tribute to broadcaster Russell Hargreaves.

A spokesman said: "We’re deeply saddened to tell you that Russell Hargreaves has passed away. Russ was a talented commentator, newsreader and reporter for our network.

"But he was much more than that. A much-loved friend and colleague to so many. We’re devastated by his passing. RIP, Russ."

The station's golf correspondent Rupert Bell was one of those to pay tribute to Hargreaves, reports The Mirror. Rupert said: “Russ was the most committed of reporters: 100 per cent at all times. He relished being part of our small golf team, never wanting to leave his post as the host of talkSPORT 2’s coverage.

“We adored him and our occasional cheeky ones at the end of the day. His one failing… cutlery was often an optional extra and he took eating off a knife to a new level. We will miss him horribly at next year’s Open.”

Rugby reporter Andrew 'Macca' McKenna said: “Russ is a man who I’m honoured to have called a colleague and a friend. The six weeks together in New Zealand were great fun, but very hard work. Every three days or so, you’re packing up and moving on, usually in the early morning so we could broadcast in the evening into the Breakfast shows back home from the new location.

“We did a show every day, in some odd places, and at very odd hours, but I don’t remember ever hearing him grumble or complain about being tired (I know I did!). He got the rough end of the stick too – as our pitchside reporter he was stationed behind the posts.

"If you’ve seen the footage of the second Test in Wellington, you’ll know it was played in a virtual monsoon, but Russ was still out there. In truth, I don’t know why, it was so wet his kit had actually stopped working! He could have come back to the commentary box, but he didn’t – he had a job to do and he did it. That was his way, and I respected him so much for it.

“My abiding memory of him, though, will be of a man skilled in so many different areas of broadcasting, able to switch effortlessly, and deliver in all of them equally well. With the way the industry is changing, we may not see his like again.”

The head of talkSPORT, Liam Fisher said: "Russ was always a wonderful professional who, whenever he came on air, gave brilliant energy and insight. A regular on our rugby and golf coverage he was also part of talkSPORT International delivering superb commentaries to our overseas partners.

"He was a broadcaster always well researched who would make every effort to deliver a two-way, match report or live presentation no matter the time of day and give the listeners exactly what they needed. He had a real flair for getting to the heart of the story and educating both the armchair fan and those who lived and breathed the sport he was discussing.

"He provided a great example of the necessity of putting the work in beforehand to reap the benefits on air. Beyond his professional work, he would pride himself on having time for people, asking about them and their family. His friendliness made him a very approachable guy who will be much missed."