Former England rugby star Will Greenwood has revealed his aunt has died after contracting coronavirus.
The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner shared the devastating news his aunt Jean, who was a keen follower of his career, passed away on Saturday in her 80s.
His heartbreaking post on his Instagram account featured a picture of 'Aunty Jean' after 55-times capped centre Greenwood had revealed earlier on a podcast she had contracted Covid-19.
Writing on Instagram, he told his followers who had been asking about her that she had sadly died.
"Many of you have been so kindly asking me about my Aunty Jean," he said.
"I had mentioned in a newspaper and on my podcast that she was poorly with Covid-19. Aunty Jean passed away [Saturday] morning.
"Eldest of three sisters. Aunty Jean was in her 80s but had so much living to do. Aunty Jean never ever ever did anything but bring sunshine into my life.
"She lived near my boarding school and would pop in as often as she could to make sure I had Quavers, Pot Noodles, Parma ham, a bit of cash, knowing how far from home I was."
Greenwood went on to say his aunt was a huge lover of rugby after watching him rise through the ranks with England to play two Tests for the 2005 Lions on their New Zealand tour.
He said her death had "knocked all of us in the family".
"Aunty Jean lived in and around sport all her life and was so kind to everyone she met. Kindness, generosity of spirit, a giver of time. It has knocked all of us in the family. My cousin Claire has lost her mum who had so many more years to give.
"Aunty Jean never got to meet her newly born great granddaughter. We will all miss you Aunty Jean.
"Aunty Jean asked us not to cry with her final words. We love you so much."
