Luke Bryan sustained the injury aged 17 while playing for Haydock Under 18s in 1996.

Despite his life-changing injury and severe disabilities, he was said to have a “remarkably positive outlook on life”.

He had been a gifted player, representing his country at 14 on a tour of Russia, as well as playing for Lancashire, Blackbrook and Wigan schools.

In a statement Haydock rugby league club said: “Everyone at Haydock Warriors ARLFC are deeply saddened to learn of the sad passing of Luke Bryan passing away peacefully this morning in hospital.

“Our condolences to Luke’s family and friends at this sad time

“RIP Luke.”

FLASHBACK: How we covered Luke’s story in 1996

Over the past wo decades Luke, received support from the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, Steve Prescott MBE and the Steve Prescott Foundation

In a statement, the Steve Prescott Foundation said: “Over many years of supporting the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, Steve Prescott MBE and the Steve Prescott Foundation became very close friends with Luke and his mum, Christine.

“Luke, a former rugby league player, was tragically paralysed from the neck down following a devastating injury sustained in 1996 while playing for Haydock Under 18s.

“In 2016, working in conjunction with the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, the Steve Prescott Foundation helped Luke move into a specially adapted home in Haydock.

“This gave him a greater level of independence and, most importantly, the opportunity to look out of the window — a wish personally expressed by Steve Prescott MBE.

“Despite his life-changing injury and severe disabilities, Luke retained his wonderful sense of humour and maintained a remarkably positive outlook on life.

Luke Bryan

“He continued to follow his lifelong passion for rugby league and possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game, particularly of his beloved Wigan Warriors.

“The Steve Prescott Foundation would like to extend its deepest condolences to Luke’s mum Christine, and his siblings Matthew and Sally, at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Luke.”