KEIGHLEY Cougars made an emotional return on Saturday to the ground where one of their star players died – almost exactly a year on from the tragedy.

A strong contingent of fans joined players and club officials for the difficult trip to the capital.

In an ironic twist of fate, Cougars had been drawn to play London Skolars at the ground where Danny Jones lost his life during the same Bank Holiday weekend fixture 12 months ago.

Before the start of the iPro Cup semi-final, the club directors walked out onto the pitch with the players – many of whom were involved in last year's fateful match.

Floral tributes were placed at the spot where the stand-off died and a minute's silence was observed.

Club chairman Gary Fawcett was presented with a commemorative plaque, which will be installed at the Skolars' New River Stadium.

"It's nice that there will be something permanent there in memory of Danny," said Mr Fawcett.

"It was never going to be an easy day.

"There were some very touching moments.

"The fans were great and applauded and chanted as we made our way across the pitch, which was particularly emotional.

"Skolars handled the occasion extremely sensitively and were very accommodating.

"We had almost our entire squad down there and more supporters than would normally travel."

Cougars' head coach Paul March said he was proud of how the players – who won the match and booked a place in the iPro Cup final at Blackpool on May 28 – had dealt with the occasion.

"I thought the lads handled the day and what it was all about extremely well and I'm one proud coach," he said.

"The lads prepared well and did not just them, but me and Jonesy, proud. They can hold their heads up high with it being a difficult time for everybody."

The death of Danny Jones, who was just 29, spread shockwaves through the rugby league and sporting world – and beyond.

It was later discovered the Welsh international, who had come off the pitch early in the match after feeling unwell, had an undetected hereditary heart condition.

Following his death, tributes flooded in from across the globe and Cougar Park was transformed into a sea of flowers, plus shirts and scarves representing many clubs.

The number 6 shirt was retired in his honour and he was inducted into the Cougars Hall of Fame.

And Keighley Transdev paid its own tribute by naming a bus after him.

A fund set-up to support Danny's widow, Lizzie, and their young twins, Bobby and Phoebe, has raised about £340,000.