A STAR rugby player with Keighley Cougars has tragically died after suffering a suspected heart attack during a match in London yesterday.

Welsh International Danny Jones collapsed during the match against the London Skolars and tonight the RFL confirmed the shocking news that Jones had passed away after he had an apparent cardiac arrest during a League 1 match against London Skolars.

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, Jones passed away at the hospital.

RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer stated: “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.”

A Keighley Cougars statement tonight said: "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, a natural leader, a true professional and irreplaceable.

"He achieved over 1,000 points in 150 appearances for Keighley Cougars and he will be sorely missed.

"He sadly passed away today at the age of 29, leaving his five-month-old twins and wife and family. Our hearts go out to Liz, his children and his family."

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.

An earlier statement by the Rugby Football League read: “The RFL can confirm that Keighley Cougars player Danny Jones has been taken to hospital. The League 1 match between London Skolars and Keighley Cougars 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.”

Halifax-born Jones became only the fifth Cougars player to reach 1,000 points for the club last month.

Keighley players are expected to decide tomorrow whether to go ahead with this weekend's clash against Coventry.