Welsh international rugby league player Danny Jones, 29, has died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during a match.The Keighley Cougars half-back, who was a father of five-month-old twins, was taken off just four minutes into Sunday’s League 1 match at London Skolars after reportedly complaining he felt unwell.
He collapsed and was treated by the match doctor and paramedics at the ground before being taken by to hospital, the Rugby Football League (RFL) said.
Despite extensive efforts to resuscitate him, Jones died at the Royal Free Hospital, the RFL added.
His club led tributes to him, saying their thoughts were with his widow Liz and their children.
“Danny was much loved and highly respected by all at the club and in rugby league. He was the life and soul in the dressing room,” The Keighley Cougars tweeted.
“… He will be sorely missed.”
Jones, who previously played for Halifax, notched up 12 caps for Wales after his debut against Italy in 2010.
His last appearance for Wales was in a World Cup group match against the Cook Islands in Neath in November 2013.
His teammate during the 2013 World Cup, Wigan forward Ben Flower, tweeted: “My thoughts are with Danny’s family. Worst possible news.
“What a great man and even better friend. He will be missed so much. #RIPDannyJones.”
RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “It is always devastating when someone so young dies in these circumstances.
“Danny was a popular and talented rugby league player, having played at the highest level with the Wales national team and over 12 seasons for Keighley Cougars and Halifax.”
Rimmer added: “The rugby league community will mourn his loss and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Danny’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
“The family, friends and team-mates of Danny are currently, and will continue to be, supported by the RFL Benevolent Fund and Sporting Chance.
“We would ask that the privacy of the Jones family, players and Keighley Cougars staff be respected.”
