A 17-year-old amateur rugby player, Cléa Menier, has died after sustaining an on-field injury during an under-18s match in France.
Menier, who played in the back row for Union du Bassin Marmandais, died following an accident during her club’s match against Agen Agglo Rugby on Saturday.
She was given medical treatment on the pitch before being taken to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where she later died of her injuries.
Neither her club nor the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has disclosed the nature of the injury.
In a statement on Thursday, Union du Bassin Marmandais voiced deep sadness over her death and paid tribute to the emergency services who attended to her.
“It is with immense sadness and indescribable pain that Union du Bassin Marmandais learned of the death of Clea,” the club said.
The club also offered its condolences to Menier’s family and friends, along with her teammates, coaches, and everyone who shared her passion for rugby.
Calling the incident a terrible ordeal, the club stated that its members would support one another through the tragedy.
The French Rugby Federation also offered its condolences, stating that Menier’s death had deeply affected the entire rugby community.
The federation offered its support to her family and loved ones, teammates, coaches, and members of Union du Bassin Marmandais.
The FFR added that every effort would be made to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
No further details about the incident or the nature of Menier’s injuries have been made public.
