Rugby league rallies around Jones family

Danny Jones - cropped

Over £40,000 has been raised for the family of rugby league player Danny Jones, who died on Sunday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during a League 1 match for Keighley Cougars.

Wales international Jones collapsed after being replaced in the early stages of Keighley's clash with London Skolars and passed away at hospital despite extensive efforts to resuscitate him.

A fundraising page was duly set up by the Rugby Football League (RFL), with all proceeds going to the family of Jones - a married father of five-month-old twins.

Within 48 hours, the total amount donated had passed £43,000, with a host of Super League players showing their support by pledging to shave their heads and faces when certain targets were reached.

St Helens prop Kyle Amor, Hull KR forward Tyrone McCarthy, Warrington Wolves' Roy Asotasi and Adam Cuthbertson of Leeds Rhinos were among those choosing to remove hair in support of Jones.

After shaving off his trademark shaggy locks and facial hair, Amor posted a picture of his new look on Twitter with the comment: "Hair & beard gone!!! Unbelievable effort to raise £35k plus, please remember the reason why we are all donating."

Keighley confirmed on Tuesday that their next league game, against Coventry Bears on Sunday, will go ahead at the request of Jones' family, while the main stand at Cougar Park will be renamed 'The Danny Jones Stand'.

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