THE funeral of rugby star St John Ellis is to be held in York Minster.

At least 1,000 people are expected to attend the service, which will take place on Tuesday, at 1.30pm.

The former Great Britain wing collapsed and died on New Year's Eve at the age of 41, after leading a training session with the Doncaster Lakers rugby league club, where he was coach.

Today, his brother, David Afflick, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "We are pleased that the service is going to be in York Minster.

"We think it's quite appropriate, and that no other venue would have been suitable for somebody who has done so much for sport in York."

Mr Afflick, 53, thanked the Minster authorities for allowing the service to be held there, adding: "All his friends, and everyone who knew St John, are welcome to attend."

Mr Ellis' wife, Mel, and his daughters Indyia, eight, and Maia, seven, said: "We would like to thank everyone who has offered us support at this difficult time."

Friends and relatives were shocked by his sudden death, saying Mr Ellis was "as fit as a fiddle". His family said they had now been told it was caused by a heart condition.

They said he was a family man, who had time for everyone, was fun-loving and enjoyed practical jokes.

A fine all-round sportsman, Mr Ellis grew up in Fulford, went to Fulford School, started his rugby league career with amateur club Southlands and then played for York before moving to a higher level.

He was in the Castleford side which was beaten by Wigan in the 1992 Challenge Cup Final, then the following season he scored a remarkable 40 tries in only 41 appearances for the West Yorkshire club.

He played at a number of other British clubs, and also played in Australia for the South Queensland Crushers.

He gained three Great Britain caps in the early 1990s.

Injuries effectively ended his career in the mid-1990s, but by then he was already assistant coach of Doncaster Lakers. By the time of his death he was rugby league's longest- serving professional coach.

Doncaster chairman John Wright has pledged to get the club into Super League as a tribute to Mr Ellis.

Mr Afflick asked that there should not be flowers at the service, but donations could be given instead. "They will be divided equally between the Minster and a charity to be chosen by Mel and the girls," he said.

The service will be followed by a private family burial.

Updated: 10:16 Friday, January 06, 2006