Scrumhalf dies from neck injury

2008-06-17 08:10

Cardiff - Neath scrumhalf Gareth Jones died in hospital on Monday after injuring his neck in a Premier Division match against Cardiff in April, the Welsh club said in a statement.

Jones, 28, is survived by his wife and two children.

"It is with deep regret that Neath Rugby have to announce that scrumhalf Gareth Jones passed away peacefully this afternoon," the Welsh league champion said. "Thoughts are with Gareth and the young family he left behind."

Medical staff treated Jones on the pitch for around 10 minutes during the Cardiff-Neath match on April 20 and he was then transferred to hospital, where scans revealed a significant injury to his neck, the BBC reported.

Jones had been in intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff since the incident, where he underwent surgery for his injuries and medical complications.

Cardiff centre Darren Ryan was cited over the action in which Jones was injured but the Welsh Rugby Union cleared him of reckless play.

- SAPA