BORDEAUX — 17-year-old amateur rugby player Clea Menier has died after suffering an on-field injury during a match in France. The back row for Union du Bassin Marmandais Under-18s was injured in what her club described as an "accident" during Saturday's fixture against Agen Agglo Rugby, received medical attention on the pitch and was taken to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where she died from her injuries.
"It is with immense sadness and indescribable pain that Union du Bassin Marmandais learned of the death of Clea," the club said in a statement, which also paid tribute to the emergency services who treated her. "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."
The club added: "This is a terrible ordeal for our club. We will get through it together - united, standing in solidarity, and looking after one another." Neither Union du Bassin Marmandais nor the French Rugby Federation have disclosed the nature of her injury.
The FFR said: "This loss has deeply shaken the entire rugby family. 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 team-mates, coaches, and all members of Union du Bassin Marmandais. Every effort will be made to understand the circumstances surrounding this accident."