Keighley's League 1 game against Coventry on Sunday will go ahead

Keighley's League 1 game against Coventry on Sunday will go ahead at the request of the family of Danny Jones.

The fixture had been in doubt following the sudden death of Jones, who suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during last Sunday's match at London Skolars.

Jones, who was 29, leaves a wife Liz and five-month-old twins.

Keighley's players were due to decide after training on Tuesday night whether or not to go ahead with the home game against Coventry but chairman Gary Fawcett announced at lunchtime that it would take place.

"I can confirm that our head coach, Paul March, has confirmed that Danny's family have requested for the game to go ahead this Sunday," Fawcett said. "I know that our players are hurting but they will do Danny proud on Sunday.

"The club will contribute a third of the gate monies from Sunday to Liz and the twins and all fundraising within the ground that day will be exclusively for the benevolent fund that has been set up."

The Rugby Football League's benevolent fund has so far raised £43,000 in less than 48 hours.

Fawcett added: "Danny will be missed by all who love sport. The show of love and support from the rugby league family and sport in general has been almost overwhelming and, for that, we are grateful.

"The club asks everyone to be respectful of the family's wishes at this immensely sad time and continue their support for Liz and the twins. The financial support that has been shown has been tremendous and the club encourages it to continue.

Keighley have already announced they intend to retire Jones' No 6 jersey and said on Tuesday they will rename their main stand at Cougar Park after the player.

"Rugby League is hurting after losing one of its favourite players but we cannot begin to imagine what his family must be feeling," Fawcett added in a statement.

"The club has officially requested of the RFL permission to retire the number 6 jersey. The club will rename our main stand 'The Danny Jones Stand'."