Scotland rugby international Siobhan Cattigan has died at the age of 26.
The Stirling County back row – whose cause of death has not been revealed – won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021.
Scottish Rugby said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, and that thoughts were with her family and friends.
They wrote: “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.”
Cattigan started all three matches of the 2021 Women’s Six Nations tournament, playing at number eight against England, Italy and Wales.
She was also involved with Scotland’s Rugby World Cup 2021 European qualifiers squad, where she came off the bench in Scotland’s win over Spain.
Cattigan also studied Criminology and Sociology at the University of Stirling before going on to receive a Master’s degree in sports psychology.
In a statement by Stirling County, Cattigan was praised as an inspiration and described as being central to the development of women’s rugby within the club.
“Shibby has been a big part of County for many years and will be hugely missed by everyone at the club,” they wrote.
“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.”
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