Phil Clarke: Strength and integrity of rugby league comes to the fore in times of tragedy

Phil Clarke pays tribute to the strength and togetherness of rugby league following the tragic death of Danny Jones.

I’ve sat at my computer for a long time wondering how to begin. What can you say? It seems like words are useless in this situation.

The tragic news from London on Sunday has left so many people shattered and I would like to pass on my condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Danny Jones. I cannot begin to imagine just how they must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

His playing season started well in 2015 and he’d scored in all seven games for Keighley this year, including a drop goal to win the match against the North Wales Crusaders just over a week ago.

Danny was a talented half-back who previously played in the Super League for Halifax and also represented Wales on 12 occasions. It doesn’t seem that long ago that he was lining up against Cook Islands in the 2013 World Cup.

The tragic news from London on Sunday has left so many people shattered and I would like to pass on my condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Danny Jones.

His finest ever performance that I witnessed was when playing at full-back for Wales in the Four Nations against England in 2011. He was superb that day even though his team were well beaten.

It’s at times like this that the strength and integrity of the people in our sport comes to the fore and I’m pleased that so many people are trying to help. The Rugby League Benevolent Fund has been excellent at providing a coordinated approach to the financial, emotional and practical assistance that is needed for Danny’s family, friends, team-mates and staff.

So many people have been affected and we at least have a system in place with the Benevolent Fund to assist with the counselling and guidance that people need in these situations.

As well as the emotional shock there are a wide range of practical issues to deal with in tragic circumstances such as this and the Benevolent Fund is there to provide the day-to-day support necessary at this time. Some of the counselling that is offered to those affected is undertaken by people experienced in these circumstances, particularly in a sporting setting.

The staff from Sporting Chance have an excellent reputation with a wide range of skills they have developed across a variety of sports. I hope that they are able to offer some comfort to those in need of it.