Ex-Wales rugby international Mark Jones dies aged 59 after heart attack

Wales Rugby League has paid tribute to Mark Alun Jones, referring to the dual-code player as a “giant” in announcing his death at the age of 59.

The WRL said in a statement that Jones, who played internationally for Wales in both codes of rugby while also playing league for Great Britain, had died in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

that Jones had been training in a gym in the country he has called home since moving there in 2005.

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Speaking on behalf of the WRL in a statement, former coach Clive Griffiths said: “Scooby [Jones] was a giant in both codes, and the fact that he went on to play for Great Britain as well, speaks volumes for his ability as a player.

“He was part and parcel of that great era of Welsh rugby league until rugby union went back professional in 1995. From 1991-95, he was an ever-present in the Welsh squad.

“Everybody loved him as a man first and foremost. I recently read his book and it’s just so interesting to read about his life.

“For me, it’s like losing one of the family. We’re so tight as a group, the team of 1995, and we’re always in touch. It’s difficult to explain the depth of feeling from that group of players right now.

“Scooby was different in all every sense of the word, in the nicest possible way. He always called me boss, right up until now. He was a brilliant man, one of the best and that’s why he was loved so much.”

Wales Rugby League president Mike Nicholas said: “He was a terrific tourist and a great guy. I was his team manager with Wales in 1995 with Wales and he was a brilliant character on our tour of America.

“A fantastic player and team-mate and he’ll be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his friends and family.”

Jones’ league career saw him play for Hull and Warrington, while in union he represented the likes of Neath and Ebbw Vale. He was known for his brutal physicality during his playing days, and was sent off six times and banned for over 33 weeks for violent conduct.

After retiring in 2005, he coached before moving to to work as a lab technician at the Abu Dhabi international school.