Izuchukwu E.N
A young rugby league player has been found dead in his hotel bedroom after making his debut for Batley Bulldogs last night.
20-year-old Archie Bruce and Batley Bulldogs scrum-half only made his debut for the West Yorkshire club on Saturday night (Aug.17) against Toulouse. His team lost 46-0.
Club chairman Kevin Nicholas said in a statement this morning: ‘Batley Bulldogs are greatly saddened to announce the passing of their player Archie Bruce who was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning having made his debut against Toulouse the previous evening.’
A statement by Batley Bulldogs this morning said: ‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our young player Archie Bruce (20), who was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning, having made his debut against Toulouse yesterday evening.
‘Archie’s immediate family have been informed.
‘Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while enquiries by the French authorities continue, with the club squad delaying their return to the UK.
England professional Alex Walmsley led the tributes, saying: ‘Incredibly sad news to wake up to, my condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates at both Batley and Dewsbury Moor. RIP Archie.’
Former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain star Keith Senior tweeted: ‘Never nice to hear news like this especially at such a young age. Condolences to all his family and friends.’
England winger Jermaine McGillvary said: ‘Such shocking news. RIP Archie, thoughts go out to his family.’
Gavin Wilson tweeted: ‘Desperately sad news coming out of @BatleyRLFC this morning. Condolences to everyone at the club and friends & family of Archie Bruce. Just 20 years old and his first ever game. So, so sad.’
