Former Titans star dies from heart attack

Canadian John Cannon, who played for the Clifton Lane club in 2001, suffered a massive heart attack on Saturday morning.

He was latterly a coach and player back home in Canada, having played professionally for Rotherham, Doncaster and Coventry before an unprovoked mugging caused a serious head injury and he was forced to retire from the game.

A powerful inside centre, Cannon played for Canada at junior level before making his senior debut aged 20 in 2001 against the USA. He won 31 caps before his career ended in 2005.

Cannon played 20 times for Rotherham, scoring eight tries.

Tributes from his former colleagues were led by Lee Blackett, who said on Twitter: “Another former team-mate passes away this week. Gutted. Great player but, if possible, he was a better bloke.”

Funeral arrangements are currently being made in Canada.