Lewis Jones: Wales rugby union and Great Britain league great dies, aged 92

Lewis Jones was part of Challenge Cup and league championship-winning teams at Leeds

Lewis Jones, the former Great Britain rugby league international and Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby union full-back, has died at the age of 92.

Leeds said Jones passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness.

He won 10 caps for Wales and three for the Lions in 1950 before moving north to Leeds for £6,000 in 1952, later becoming known as 'the Golden Boy'.

During his time at Headingley, Jones won the Challenge Cup and the RFL Championship, and 15 caps for Britain.

Jones' status in league is up there with the brightest Welsh lights tempted into playing the 13-man code.

Following in the footsteps of Jim Sullivan, Gus Risman and Trevor Foster, Jones' switch helped pave the way for more talent to head north - from the legendary Billy Boston to later exports such as David Watkins, Jonathan Davies and Scott Gibbs.

'Goodbye to a rugby legend'

Jones played 385 games for Leeds, scored 144 tries and kicked 1,244 goals, and after a spell in Australia was also involved in coaching the 'A' team side.

In later years, Jones remained a committed supporter at the ground where he made his name in league.

"Headingley will not be the same without Lewis," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.

"He never missed a Rhinos home game and he remained as passionate as ever about his team. He was one of rugby's first superstars in the 1950s and achieved legendary status with Leeds and within rugby league.

"He will be sadly missed and we will celebrate his life with our fans."

Rhinos will wear black armbands for their Super League game at Leigh on Friday before paying a full tribute to Jones at their next home game against St Helens.

"We want to thank all the staff at St James's for providing Dad with such excellent, compassionate care over the last few days," Jones' daughter Karen Westaway said.

"Today, Leeds says goodbye to a rugby legend, while we say goodbye to a wonderful dad - an inspiring mentor and coach whose warmth and kindness will never be forgotten by his family, or anyone who had the good luck to know him."

The Swansea product played club rugby union for Neath and Llanelli either side of his national service before making his Wales debut against England in 1950.

After helping Wales to a Grand Slam that year, he was called up as a replacement for the Lions' tour of New Zealand and Australia, scoring 26 points in three Tests.

He won another six Wales caps - at centre and wing - and another Grand Slam in 1952 before switching to league with Leeds.