Rugby player Maddy Lawrence has passed away on March 25 at the age of 20. She played as a winger for the University of West England. The team released a statement on Instagram: “Celebrating the life of Maddy’ Twinkle toes’ Lawrence who sadly left us too soon on the 25th March. Maddy exemplified what it means to be a UWE Women’s Rugby Player, ‘tackling’ every new skill with enthusiasm. She proudly represented our club both on and off the rugby pitch, growing into the sport and out rugby family.”
Maddy Lawrence, 20, was playing for the University of the West of England Women’s second team against the University of Bristol on 9 March when she was injured while being tackled. The winger was taken to hospital but died on 25 March.
Maddy Lawrence died from injuries sustained while playing for the UWE Bristol women’s second team against the University of Bristol’s women’s second team. Detailed information regarding the match and what happened to her remains unknown.
Paying tribute to her teammate, Maddie Crofts said: “She was honestly the nicest person I have ever met.” She added: “She was always so bubbly and always had a smile on her face.
“It is cheesy to say but the room really did light up when Maddy was there.”
Ms Lawrence was a first-year student living in halls of residence and had only begun playing rugby last year, Ms Crofts said.
Since the injury, she said the team had been in “contact with her family who have been keeping us updated”.
Despite being in the hospital, she said her family “have always said how much the girls and team meant to her and how much rugby changed her life”.
England international and World Cup winner Rochelle Clark also offered her condolences, saying she was sorry to hear the news. The Rugby Football Union paid tribute to Lawrence on Twitter and extended their sympathies to their family and friends. They tweeted: “On behalf of everyone at the RFU, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Maddy Lawrence.
“The thoughts of everyone in the game are with UWE Women’s Rugby, their players, members and the wider rugby community.” Following their teammate’s passing, the University of West England rugby team have called on all women’s teams across the country to hold one-minute applause in memory of the 20-year-old at this weekend’s games.”
The team revealed that the number 11 shirt she was wearing during the game has been retired as a mark of respect.
There will also be a minute’s applause during the next match at the weekend to remember the student.
