Scotland rugby international Siobhan Cattigan has died at the age of 26, Scottish Rugby and her club Stirling County said on Wednesday.
Cattigan, who won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021, died on Friday Nov. 26, her club said.
She was described as an “inspiration” and a “talented back-row forward and all-round rugby player”.
“It’s with a heavy heart we pass on the news of the tragic passing of Siobhan (Shibby),” Stirling County said in a statement.
It’s with a heavy heart we pass on the news of the tragic passing of Siobhan (Shibby) on Friday 26th November.
Please follow this link for the full statement from the club:https://t.co/R2p0RoIbek pic.twitter.com/pvQZIABJmT
— Stirling County RFC (@StirlingCounty) November 30, 2021
“Shibby has been a big part of County for many years and will be hugely missed by everyone at the club. She was central to the development of women’s rugby within the club and an inspiration to the girls in the youth section.
“Shibby was a teammate and friend and we deeply mourn her loss. Our love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Shibby’s family at this devastating time.
“We very much hope their privacy will be respected by everyone as they deal with their tragic loss.”
Cattigan started all three matches of Scotland’s 2021 Women’s Six Nations campaign and played in the country’s win over Spain in the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in September.
“Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan,” the governing body said.
Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Scotland International Siobhan Cattigan.
The thoughts of all our people and players go out to Siobhan’s family, friends and many teammates at Stirling County and Scotland at this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/AsEbCrKURD
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) December 1, 2021
“The thoughts of all our people and players go out to Siobhan’s family, friends and many teammates at Stirling County and Scotland at this incredibly difficult time.
“Siobhan started her journey in the Scottish Rugby international set up in 2017 and has been a much respected and loved player who will be greatly missed by us all.”
Cattigan graduated with a Master’s degree in sports psychology at the University of Stirling, where she played for the university’s rugby club, after studying studied criminology and sociology at undergraduate level.