Rugby league mourns 'hero' Prescott
Former rugby league international Steve Prescott has lost his seven-year battle with cancer at the age of 39.
The Rugby Football League announced that a minute's silence was due to be held at Saturday's World Cup matches involving England and Ireland - he represented both nations - in Hull and Limerick.
RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the death of Steve Prescott. Our thoughts are with his family at this terribly sad time.
"The word 'hero' is over-used in sport but Steve was just that: a role model for every young rugby league player during his distinguished playing career and an absolute inspiration to all of us off the field.
"Throughout his long illness Steve was never anything other than dignified, noble and brave, not least during his fantastic charity work through the Steve Prescott Foundation which raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes, including the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.
"Steve touched on the lives of a great many people and enriched both rugby league and the whole of sport with his engaging personality, unselfish efforts and his stoicism in the face of such an aggressive and cruel illness.
"We are all very fortunate to have been associated with Steve. He is going to be much missed."
Son of former St Helens forward Eric Prescott, he enjoyed a distinguished career as a full-back with St Helens, Hull and Wakefield, scoring two tries in Saints' 40-32 Challenge Cup final win over Bradford at Wembley in 1996.
After playing twice for England in 1996, Prescott switched his allegiance to Ireland in 1998 after qualifying under the grandparent rule and played for them in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
In September 2006, he was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of stomach cancer. Despite being given just months to live, he battled on and set up the Steve Prescott Foundation to raise money to fight the disease and for the RFL's official charity.
Prescott was made an MBE in the 2010 New Year Honours for services to rugby league and charity.
Former England captain Jamie Peacock wrote on Twitter: "Sad news to hear about Steve Prescott. To live the courageous way he did suffering the illness he had was inspirational. Kind, brave man."
England Rugby League said on Twitter: "We are very saddened to hear the news of Steve Prescott who has passed away. You were an inspiration to so many."
Rugby League Ireland said: "We would like to pass our condolences to the family and friends of Steve Prescott. A loss to the sport who will be fondly remembered RIP."
He leaves widow Linzi and two sons.
