Tributes are being paid across rugby league to a respected journalist after his death aged 67. Ian Laybourn was one of the sport's best-loved reporters and worked to cover games across the region.
Governing body the Rugby Football League has issued a statement, sending its deepest condolences to Ian's family and friends, and clubs have also paid tribute.
Salford Red Devils said on Twitter: "Everyone at Salford Red Devils are saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Laybourn. All our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a sad time."
A lover of the 13-man code, he worked in and around the sport for most of his adult life. Ian started out with the Batley News then the Huddersfield Examiner, before joining the Press Association in 1994 and becoming their rugby league correspondent two years later, reports Yorkshire Live.
Over 25 years later, Laybourn was added to the RFL Roll of Honour in 2022 and retired from his post following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup in November.
Jon Dutton, the Chief Executive of RLWC2021, has also paid his respects, saying: "This is so sad. Ian was a thoroughly good human being who cared deeply about the sport."
A man whose passion was the sport, tributes are flooding in from fellow journalists, current and ex-players who Ian interviewed over the course of his career, supporters and club media teams across the country.
Challenge Cup holders Wigan Warriors said on Twitter: "Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former Press Association Rugby League correspondent, Ian Laybourn, who has passed away at the age of 67. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family at this sad time."
Ian, from Huddersfield, estimated he had covered 2,440 matches for the Press Association.
PA sports editor Ashley Broadley said: "Ian was an outstanding reporter, with a deep understanding and love for the sport of rugby league. We are all devastated at the news and are thinking of Ian's family and friends at this sad time."
Huddersfield Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said the club would be wearing black armbands on Sunday in the friendly against Castleford as a mark of respect.
He said: "It was only last week that we shared Ian's company and the news has come as a terrible shock to us all. Ian was a rugby league man through and through, hugely respected in all spheres of the game. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Susan and all his family and friends."
Leeds Rhinos added: "Deeply sad news this morning at the passing of Ian Laybourn. Throughout his career at the Press Association he gave unstinting support to the game he loved, only retiring at the World Cup Final last year. Our thoughts go to his family and many friends in the game."
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