JORDAN COX, the former York City Knights prop forward, has died aged 27.

Cox began his professional rugby career with Hull Kingston Rovers in 2011 and then had spells at Newcastle Thunder, Huddersfield Giants, Halifax RLFC, Warrington Wolves and Sheffield Eagles.

The forward joined York on loan from Sheffield during the 2017 season, featuring four times for the Knights, scoring one try.

Most recently, he played for Doncaster RLFC in the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

A statement from the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, on behalf of the family of Jordan Cox, read: "The family of Jordan Cox are devastated by his passing earlier today.

"Jordan, who played for Hull KR and also Warrington Wolves, Sheffield Eagles, Doncaster and York City Knights, was 27.

"He died at home in Hull, in circumstances believed to be non-suspicious and not related to the current public health situation.

"The family ask for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with this devastating news.

"Further family communications will be issued through the Rugby League Benevolent Fund."

Neil Hudgell, the owner of Hull Kingston Rovers, whom Cox played for 78 times between 2011 and 2015, paid tribute to Jordan.

“Jordan’s passing has come as a terrible shock to us all at the club," said Hudgell.

"I last saw him at a reserves game and exchanged a few jokey one liners with him.

"Jordan always seemed so full of life and spirit and his loss is so sad.

"I’d like to express my sincere condolences to his Mum, Girlfriend and family at this awful time.”

A statement on the York City Knights website added: "The Knights would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family and friends."