- Clea Menier, a 17-year-old back row for Union du Bassin Marmandais, suffered an injury during a match against Agen Agglo Rugby on Saturday
- The teenager was airlifted to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux following the on-field incident, where medical staff fought to save her
- Both her club and the French Rugby Federation released statements after the tragedy, vowing to investigate the circumstances of the accident
A 17-year-old rugby player has died following an injury sustained during an under-18s match in France, sending shockwaves through the country's rugby community.
Clea Menier, a back row for Union du Bassin Marmandais, was injured during a fixture against Agen Agglo Rugby on Saturday. She received emergency medical treatment on the pitch before being transferred to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Neither her club nor the French Rugby Federation (FFR) have disclosed the nature of the injury.
Club pays tribute to Clea
Union du Bassin Marmandais described the incident as an "accident" in an official statement, expressing profound grief over the loss.
"It is with immense sadness and indescribable pain that Union du Bassin Marmandais learned of the death of Clea," the club said, also acknowledging the emergency services who responded on the day.
"We are also thinking of her loved ones and friends, whose immense pain we share, as well as her team-mates, coaches, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and sharing their passion for rugby with her. This is a terrible ordeal for our club. We will get through it together, united, standing in solidarity, and looking after one another."
FFR pledges to investigate the incident
The French Rugby Federation also released a statement, confirming that an investigation into the circumstances of Clea's death would be conducted.
"This loss has deeply shaken the entire rugby family," the FFR said. "In these moments of sadness, the FFR wishes to express its full support and solidarity to Clea's family and loved ones. It also extends its sincerest condolences to her teammates, coaches, and all members of Union du Bassin Marmandais. Every effort will be made to understand the circumstances surrounding this accident.
The full details surrounding the incident remain unclear as the investigation gets underway.
Source: Briefly News
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