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'Deeply saddened': Rugby world in mourning over star's death at 26

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Siobhan Cattigan, pictured here in action for Scotland.
Siobhan Cattigan has died suddenly at the age of 26. Image: Twitter

The rugby world is mourning the tragic death of Scottish international Siobhan Cattigan at the age of 26.

It was announced this week that the back-rower, who played 19 Tests for Scotland, died suddenly on Friday.

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"Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan has died," the country's governing body said.

"The thoughts of all our people and players go out to Siobhan's family and many teammates at Stirling County and Scotland at this incredibly difficult time.

"Specialist Scottish Rugby employees are now providing ongoing support to those most closely affected."

Siobhan Cattigan, pictured here in action for Scotland in the Women's Six Nations.
Siobhan Cattigan in action for Scotland in the Women's Six Nations. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Cattigan's club side 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.

"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."

Siobhan Cattigan, pictured here before her tragic death.
Siobhan Cattigan's death is being felt all around the rugby community. Images: Facebook

Rugby world in shock over death of Siobahn Cattigan

Rugby icon Sir Bill Beaumont wrote on Twitter: "Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan.

"She was a fine player and an inspiration to many.

"My thoughts are with Siobhan's family and her Scotland and Stirling County teammates and friends at this difficult time."

Rugby Europe tweeted: "We stand together with the rest of the rugby world in mourning the sad passing of Siobhan Cattigan.

"Thoughts are with her friends, family and Scottish Rugby at this time."

Journalist Gary Heatly added: "Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of current Scotland Women's cap Siobhan Cattigan aged just 26.

"The rugby family must now rally around and help each other through such a tragedy, thoughts with her family, friends, teammates and all at Stirling County."

Cattigan won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021 and made her international debut against Wales at the Six Nations in 2018.

The 26-year-old studied criminology and sociology before receiving a master's degree in sports psychology at the University of Stirling.

She captained the university side to victory in the 2016/17 British and University College Sports league.

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