Monday 4 May 2015 06:00, UK
Keighley Cougars half-back Danny Jones has died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during his club's League 1 match at London Skolars.
Jones, who was 29, collapsed after being replaced early in the fourth minute of the match, which was subsequently abandoned.
The Welsh international was treated by the match doctor and paramedics at the ground before being taken to the Royal Free Hospital.
Despite extensive efforts to resuscitate him, Jones passed away at the hospital.
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.
"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.”
Jones was taken off in the match at the New River Stadium on White Hart Lane after apparently complaining of feeling unwell.
An air ambulance was called and he was taken by road to the Royal Free Hospital in the capital and the game was abandoned.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 3.10pm today to an address on White Hart Lane.
"We sent a number of resources, including London's Air Ambulance and two ambulance crews to the scene.
"The patient - a man - was in cardiac arrest."
Jones, who was in his second spell with Keighley after also playing for Halifax, made his Wales debut against Italy in 2010 and won the last of his 12 caps in a World Cup group match against Cook Islands in Neath in November 2013.
Wigan forward Ben Flower, a team-mate during the 2013 World Cup, led the tributes.
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."
Wales RL tweeted: "All at Wales #rugbyleague would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Danny Jones after his sad passing today."
A spokesman for the players' association League 13 said: "Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to the family of Danny Jones tonight."
