Ronan ‘slipped’ as he went into fateful tackle

the pitch before being airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where he had brain surgery but was pronounced dead three days later on June 14.

The inquest heard that the tackle was classed as “high” but could not have been avoided because of Ronan’s body position.

Ronan’s father, Martin, said he did not blame Mr Jones.

He said: “I would like the Salford players to know I do not hold them responsible and this was a tragic accident.”

In a statement read by coroner’s officer, Fiona Turner, Mr Jones, a plumbing apprentice, told how he was involved in the fateful challenge.

He described his tackle as “perfectly good” but said he had considered giving up rugby as a result of the “extremely traumatic” incident.

He said: “Because I was involved in the tackle, I felt responsible.

“It was just a normal tackle in the spirit of the game but knowing I wasn’t responsible didn’t stop me feeling that way.

“I’m still upset about what happened and always will be. I wish I could change what happened that day.”

Assistant Coroner Philip Holden concluded that Ronan’s death had been accidental.

Afterwards, his parents, Martin and Nichola released a statement through the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.

They said: “The family are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ronan.

“He loved playing Rugby League. He was proud to play for Huddersfield Giants.”