THE life of Keighley Cougars and Welsh international rugby star Danny Jones was celebrated by family, fellow players and hundreds of friends and fans today.

St Mary's Catholic Church, Halifax, was packed to the door and outside hundreds of wellwishers watched Mr Jones' funeral on a giant TV screen, with its moving words relayed through loud speakers.

The hearse arrived at noon to the toll of a bell and his wife Lizzie carried their twin babies behind the coffin, which was borne on the shoulders of family and fellow Cougars.

Draped in Cougars' colours, the coffin was accompanied by white floral tributes, one saying "DADDY" and another sculpted in the shape of a rugby ball.

They entered the large Victorian church 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 popular 29-year-old player 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 player from on and off the pitch.

"He'll be missed so, so much," he said

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

"Goodbye until we meet again."

Mr Jones' former coach Barry Eaton, now at Hunslet, who signed him for Keighley, 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.

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 Cougars colours and the Welsh flag, was carried out after 90 minutes to head for a family farewell service.

Those gathered outside applauded 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.