Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan has died aged 26, Scottish Rugby has announced.
The back row, who won 19 caps for her country, died on Friday, with her club Stirling describing it as a “tragic passing”. The cause of death is unclear but it is said that Police Scotland have not been made aware of the rugby star's death, suggesting it is non-suspicious.
A statement from the governing body read: “Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan has died.
“The thoughts of all our people and players go out to Siobhan’s family and many team-mates at Stirling County and Scotland at this incredibly difficult time.
Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Scotland international and @StirlingCounty player Siobhan Cattigan.
➡️ https://t.co/txAVOHsqMs pic.twitter.com/l13wtlOYl4— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 30, 2021
Cattigan won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021, with the back-row making her international debut against Wales during the 2018 Six Nations. Cattigan started all three matches of the 2021 Women’s Six Nations tournament, playing at number 8 against England, Italy and Wales. Her most recent appearance coming in the World Cup qualifier against Spain in September.
The Scottish backrower was a vocal advocate for women’ sport and frequently took to social media to blast sexism in the rugby. Last year, she hit out at an ad agency for advertising women's rugby kits with models - while international players advertised the men's versions.
She wrote: 'I gave up playing rugby in high-school after being bullied for being the only girl who played. I got called a man, muscly and many other derogatory things.
'As a young and impressionable 14 year old this hugely impacted me and I gave up the sport that I had a clear talent in because of other people's narrow minded opinions.
'It took a random decision at 19 to go back to rugby and give it a go at uni and, one uni team, one club team and 14 caps for my country later and I haven't looked back since. I promised myself that day I would never let others opinions alter my life again.'
A statement from her rugby club Stirling added: “It’s with a heavy heart we pass on the news of the tragic passing of Siobhan (Shibby) on Friday November 26.
“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 team-mate 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.”
