Minute's applause will celebrate life of tragic rugby league teen Ronan Costello

The centre or second rower was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary on Saturday after being hurt during an academy game against Salford in Huddersfield and died of his injuries on Tuesday.

The news rocked the game of rugby league, with thousands of tributes pouring for the promising player, and the RFL has offered counselling to players involved in last Saturday’s match, which was abandoned.

In a statement, the RFL said: “Following discussion with the family of Ronan Costello, the RFL have asked that all rugby league clubs across the country hold a minute’s applause at every game taking place this weekend to celebrate the life of the Huddersfield Giants Academy player who tragically passed away yesterday.”

Huddersfield have confirmed that Friday’s Super League game against Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium will go ahead, but say Saturday’s scheduled academy fixture with Castleford has been postponed indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the Costello family have thanked fans for their compassion and generosity and have requested all donations to be made through the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund rather than individual just-giving sites which have sprung up.

The fund was set up in memory of former Wales and Keighley player Danny Jones, who died last year from an undiagnosed heart condition. Money from the fund will be used to help community and junior rugby league clubs purchase potentially life-saving cardiac equipment.

A statement said: “The family wish for all fund-raising to be co-ordinated through the RFL Benevolent Fund. There is no immediate need for financial support as a result of Ronan’s passing.

“To make a donation in support of Ronan Costello please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danny-jones-defibrillator-fund.”

The family say there will be a collection for the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Headway charities at the funeral, the date and venue for which have still to be confirmed.