THE RFL has confirmed that Keighley Cougars player Danny Jones passed away this evening after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during a League 1 match against London Skolars.  

Mr Jones, who was 29, collapsed after being replaced early in the match and 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, he 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 playing 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.  

"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."

The match was abandoned after the Cougars' Welsh international suffered the apparent heart attack.

Mr Jones was hurt in the fourth minute and is thought to have collapsed at the side of the pitch. The game, at the New River Stadium, was abandoned at half-time with Keighley leading 12-6.

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.

"Extensive efforts were made to resuscitate him and he was taken by road ambulance to the Royal Free Hospital, with the air ambulance on board."