Talented young rugby player Maddy ‘Twinkle Toes’ Lawrence suffered suffered an injury during a game and has tragically died.
The 20-year-old winger, who played for University of the West of England, suffered an injury on the field and sadly passed away having fought a hard battle in hospital.
Her club wrote on Instagram: “Maddy exemplified what it means to be a UWE Women’s Rugby Player, ‘tackling’ every new skill with enthusiasm.
“She proudly represented our club both on and off the rugby pitch, growing into the sport and our rugby family. Maddy was a bubbly girl who was so fun to be around. Whenever she smiled and laughed you couldn’t help but smile and laugh with her. That was the sort of player, friend, sister and daughter Maddy was.
“Her everlasting energy has left its mark on this club, she will forever be our number 11 and will forever be our friend.
“We will be retiring the number 11 shirt in Maddy’s honour and remembrance.”
Lawrence’s teammates are asking all women’s rugby teams to hold a one-minute applause before any games this weekend in her memory.
There has been a Go Fund Me launched with a view of launching a foundation in her name which will support two things she held close to her heart, Women’s rugby and mental health.