SAINTS have joined the rugby league community in expressing messages of condolence following the death of Keighley Cougars player Danny Jones.

Mr Jones, who was 29, collapsed after being replaced early in the League 1 match against London Skolars on Sunday.

He suffered a suspected cardiac arrest 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.

As the rugby league world reacted with shock and sadness Saints were among those to extend a message of sympathy.

The club wrote on Twitter: “We express our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Keighley Cougar Danny Jones who tragically passed away today. Our thoughts are with you.”

Jordan Turner was among the many players to tweet. He wrote:  “Thoughts are with the family and friends of Danny Jones, sad day for Rugby League RIP.”

And ex-Saints captain Paul Sculthorpe wrote: “Awful news about DannyJones. Thoughts go out to his family, friends & teammates #RLfamily”

The RFL confirmed Mr Jones, who was a Wales international, passed away on Sunday evening.

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."