talkSPORT commentator Russell Hargreaves dies aged 45, as colleagues pay tribute to his 'encyclopedic knowledge of every sport'

Tributes have flooded in for beloved talkSPORT commentator Russell Hargreaves, who has died at the age of 45. 

The radio station announced the father-of-three's passing this afternoon in a heartfelt message on social media in which they share their devastation at the loss of a 'much loved friend and colleague.'

'We’re deeply saddened to tell you that Russell Hargreaves has passed away.' The statement on X, formerly Twitter, read. 'Russ was a talented commentator, news reader 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.'

Hargreaves was a talkSPORT commentator for more than 10 years, covering golf, football and his passion rugby. 

The Rugby Union Writers' Club were quick to pay tribute to Hargreaves, saying that his 'warmth and positivity' will be sorely missed. 

'We are desperately saddened at the loss of our much loved colleague Russell Hargreaves.' Their message read. 'Russ was a wonderful radio journalist known across many sports, especially rugby union. His warmth and positivity will be so sorely missed. We send love to Rachel, his family and friends.'

Several of Hargreaves's peers paid the respects following the news of his death. Among them was Adrian Clarke, who hailed his kindness and enthusiasm. 

'Russ Hargreaves, we will all miss you so much.' The former Arsenal midfielder and commentator wrote on X. 'It was a privilege to work with you so often for Talksport & Arsenal Always fun, cheery, kind, enthusiastic & easy to talk to, you were a lovely man & absolutely superb at your job. Can't believe you've gone. Rest easy, pal.'

A close friend with whom Hargreaves travelled to World Cups, British Lions tours and England games, talkSPORT's rugby reporter Andrew McKenna delivered an emotional tribute to his friend. 

'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, he said.

'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.'