The prop suffered chest pains on his way home from Saturday’s game against Toronto Wolfpack.

North Wales Crusaders forward John Cookson is recovering in hospital from a heart attack, the Kingstone Press League 1 club have announced.

The Wrexham club say Cookson, a 32-year-old prop who joined them from Rochdale before the start of the season, began to experience pain in his arms and chest on his way home from Saturday’s game against Toronto Wolfpack.

He then suffered a heart attack and was taken to hospital where it was discovered that his main artery was blocked. Cookson is now in a stable condition but will remain in hospital for a few days.

I wud like to thank everyone today for there kind messages they are muchly appreciated Cant believe amount of support ive had @NWCrusadersRL — John Cookson (@cook1e84) April 15, 2017

“Everyone at North Wales Crusaders would like to wish John a speedy recovery and offer him our support,” the club said in a statement.

Crusaders were beaten 80-0 by the Canadian newcomers.

Cookson played for Hornets from 2011-16 and was the first to make 100 appearances for the reformed club. He was also a member of Rochdale’s promotion-winning team in 2013 and scored a try in the Grand Final against Oldham.

Everyone at Rochdale Hornets wishes John Cookson a speedy recovery after he was taken ill yesterday. #HornetsFamily https://t.co/LP63Qa7MSb pic.twitter.com/siwaGa9iKJ — Rochdale Hornets (@RochdaleHornets) April 15, 2017

“The thoughts of everyone at Rochdale Hornets are with John and his family at this difficult time and we wish him a full and speedy recovery,” the club said.

It is just under two years since Wales international Danny Jones died of a heart attack after falling ill during a League 1 game between Keighley and London Skolars.