GARETH JONESwas a scrum-half with Welsh rugby union club Neath. He died in hospital on 16 June, 2008, two months after sustaining a serious neck injury during a game against rivals Cardiff.Mr Jones, who was 28, had also had spells with Glyncoch, Beddau and Pontypridd before turning professional with Neath in 2006. During his two years with the club, the Welsh All Blacks dominated the Welsh Premier Division, winning the title twice.He described “winning the league with Neath and Konica Minolta Cup with Pontypridd” as his most memorable moments in rugby.He was born in Pontypridd on 4 December, 1979. Before going pro he worked as a painter and decorator. He was married and had two children. When not playing rugby, he enjoyed running and surfing and was also a keen cook.After the accident during a ruck in the game at Arms Park on 20 April he received treatment on the pitch for 10 minutes before being taken to hospital. He spent two months in intensive care after scans revealed the seriousness of the injury and underwent several operations.Neath released a statement on 16 June saying: "It is with deep regret that Neath Rugby announce that scrum-half Gareth Jones passed away peacefully this afternoon, in the Heath Hospital, Cardiff."His former Pontypridd colleague Guto Davies was among the first to pay tribute to him: "He was full of energy and that was the way he played his rugby. He was a real character who stood out among the squad and that's what made him so popular with the supporters."Neath backs coach Gruff Rees also paid tribute to Mr Jones, describing him as a positive free spirit who was the heartbeat and energy of the side.Mr Rees said: "Gareth was a wonderfully loyal and honest person. He was a real character, and the heartbeat and energy of any side he played for."He was a positive free spirit, who had so many close friends in the club and elsewhere. The number of phone calls we've had has been incredible. There has been a real outpouring of grief."
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