Siobhan Cattigan death: Scotland international rugby player’s life and career remembered - as she dies at 26

A statement from the Scottish Rugby Union has confirmed the passing of Siobhan Cattigan who won 19 caps between 2018 and 2021
Scottish Rugby confirmed the news of Siobhan Cattigan’s death on Tuesday, November 30 2021Scottish Rugby confirmed the news of Siobhan Cattigan’s death on Tuesday, November 30 2021
Scottish Rugby confirmed the news of Siobhan Cattigan’s death on Tuesday, November 30 2021

The Rugby Union community across Scotland and the rest of the UK are in shock following the sudden death of Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan who was just 26-years old.

The Stirling born flanker won 19 caps for the Scottish Women’s team between 2019 and 2021 while playing club rugby with hometown side Stirling County.

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Cattigan made her international debut in the 2018 Women's Six Nations Championship, coming of the bench in a 18-17 defeat to Wales.

She was then part of the team who won away to Ireland that same competition, a first away win in 12 years for Scotland.

The last of Cattigan’s 19 appearances for Scotland came in September this year against Spain in Rugby World Cup qualifying.

Have Scottish Rugby released a statement?

The Scottish Rugby Union broke the news on Tuesday night, releasing a statement on their official website.

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In it, they reffered to Cattigan as “a talented back-row forward and all-round rugby player”.

The full statement said: “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 teammates at Stirling County and Scotland at this incredibly difficult time.

“Specialist Scottish Rugby employees are now providing on-going support to those most closely affected.

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“Siobhan Elizabeth 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.

“Siobhan’s passion for rugby began at the age of five, when she joined McLaren Minis which was based in her hometown of Callander. In addition, her older brother played for the minis section and her dad was also a coach at the club.

“Siobhan previously cited that Scotland’s historic win against Ireland in 2018 was one of her personal highlights, with the side claiming an away victory for the first time in 12 years.

“She went on to enjoy further notable success in a Scotland shirt, including a successful tour to South Africa in 2019 and the impressive draw against France during the 2020 Six Nations.

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“A talented back-row forward and all-round rugby player, Siobhan started all three matches of the 2021 Women’s Six Nations tournament, playing at number 8 against England, Italy and Wales.

“Siobhan was most recently involved in the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifiers squad, where she came off the bench in Scotland’s first win of the tournament against Spain.

“She studied Criminology and Sociology at the University of Stirling before going on to receive a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology. She was a prominent member of the university’s rugby club, and captained her side to victory in the 2016/17 BUCS league.

“Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to Siobhan Cattigan’s family and friends.”

What was the cause of death?

At this time, no cause of death has been confirmed.

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The news of Cattigan’s death was confirmed by Scottish Rugby on Tuesday, November 30.

Scottish Rugby have confirmed that “Specialist Scottish Rugby employees are now providing on-going support to those most closely affected.”

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