FAMILY, friends, players and fans joined to celebrate the life of Keighley Cougar and rugby legend Danny Jones today.

St Mary's Catholic Church, Halifax was packed to the door and outside hundreds of wellwishers watched the funeral on a giant TV screen.

His wife Lizzie carried their twin babies behind the coffin which was borne on the shoulders of family and Cougars.

It arrived with white floral tributes, one saying "DADDY" and another sculpted in the shape of a rugby ball.

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They entered to the sound of Hey there Delilah, by the plain White T's, which notes in the order of service by Mrs Jones said was "our first dance and special song."

Father Michael Mahady, the family's parish priest who married Mr and Mrs Jones and baptised twins Phoebe and Bobby praised the life of the 29-year-old rugby star and said: "Despite our sadness, let's have more than a little smile on our faces as we celebrate Danny's life."

Mr Jones' best friend and team mate at Keighley since they were teenagers Scott‎ Law led personal and emotional tributes.

And there were roars of laughter as he recounted anecdotes of the fun-loving popular player from on and off the pitch.

"He'll be missed so, so much.

"I'm privileged to call him my best friend.

"Goodbye until we meet again," Mr Law said.

Mr Jones' coach Barry Eaton said how as player he was outstanding on the big occasions and was a great leader and team player in sport and social situations.

"We have a great family at Keighley‎ and Danny was such a big part of making that special. He'll be at the forefront of my mind forever," Mr Eaton said.

Halifax friend Pete Emmett also drew laughter with personal memories of Mr Jones life, referring to his good-natured humour with tales of hoax phone calls, cheeky outbursts and talent for impressions.

‎"He was such an entertaining lad.

"I, like so many of us, feel blessed to have known him and call him a friend.

"Goodnight, God bless, Danny. You will never be forgotten, you were a legend," Mr Emmett said.

Cougar Neil Cherryholme read a farewell message from Mrs Jones to her husband which began "my beautiful Danny, who made me laugh every single day.‎"

And saying how their love would last forever she said: "I will love you 'til my last breath."

The tributes were followed by the song Can't help falling in love with you, which Mrs Jones sang to her husband on their wedding day in County Clare, Ireland in 2013.

His coffin, covered in Keighley Cougar colours and the Welsh flag was carried out after 90 minutes to head for a family farewell service.

Those gathered outside clapped him as he left to the sound of Hey ho, by the Lumineers.

"We walked out of the church to this at our beautiful wedding," read Mrs Jones' last note.