Tragedy in rugby: 17-year-old dies after being struck in the head on the field

The French rugby community is in shock over the death of Cléa Menier, a 17-year-old player for the Union du Bassin Marmandais. The young woman died in the hospital after sustaining serious injuries during a match played on Saturday, October 17, against Agen.

The incident occurred during the match between the two youth teams. During the game, Cléa received a violent blow to the head that caused her to go into cardiac arrest. Emergency responders intervened immediately, initially managing to resuscitate her and stabilize her condition. She was then rushed to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where she was admitted in critical condition. Despite the doctors’ efforts, she died from her injuries.

The news was made public Wednesday evening by the Union du Bassin Marmandais and the French Rugby Federation, which expressed their condolences for the loss of the young athlete.

Cléa’s death has deeply affected the sports club, her teammates, her coaches, and everyone who shared her passion for rugby. The club expressed its solidarity with her family and loved ones, emphasizing the grief over such a premature loss.

The French Rugby Federation also joined in the mourning, describing the young woman’s death as a tragedy that affects the entire rugby community. The federation assured that everything possible will be done to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

To support those affected by the tragedy, a psychological support service has also been set up in coordination with the club. The goal is to offer assistance to the family, her teammates, and all those who are grieving the young woman’s death.