PARIS (AP) — French rugby will pay tribute this weekend to 17-year-old rugby player Cléa Menier, who died following a rugby match on Saturday.
Menier was playing for Union du Bassin Marmandais when what her club said was “an accident” occurred during a game against Agen Agglo Rugby. She was taken to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where she died from her injuries on Wednesday.
A minute’s applause will be held before the start of each professional and amateur rugby match this weekend in France, the French Rugby Federation said in a statement Friday.
“French rugby is deeply shaken by the passing of 17-year-old Cléa, a young player registered with the Union du Bassin Marmandais,” the FFR said. “To honor her memory and to express support and solidarity with her family, loved ones, teammates, and club, the French Rugby Federation — in agreement with Cléa’s family — has decided to pay tribute to her this weekend across all rugby pitches in France.”
Players from the French women's national team will wear a black armband during a match against New Zealand on Saturday.
“This weekend, all of French rugby community will stand united to honor her memory and offer its support to her family and loved ones,” the FFR added.
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