Rugby league prodigy, 20, found dead hours after making debut
A 20-year-old rugby league player has been found dead in his hotel room, less than a day after making his professional debut in France.
Batley Bulldogs player Archie Bruce had played for the Betfred Championship side against Toulouse on Saturday night, before his body was discovered the next day.
The RFL Benevolent Fund paid tribute to the young player, saying a Just Giving Page has been set up in his memory.
The club, which plays in rugby league’s second tier in France, is delaying its return to West Yorkshire after the tragedy.
Club chairman Kevin Nicholas said in a statement: “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.
“Archie’s immediate family have been informed.
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......cont pic.twitter.com/I8eVcbY8OX— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) August 18, 2019
“Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while inquiries by the French authorities continue, with the club squad delaying their return to the UK.
“The Bruce family have requested privacy during this most difficult of times.”
Bruce had recently joined the Bulldogs from amateur club Dewsbury Moor and made his debut off the replacement’s bench in the 46-0 defeat to Toulouse in the south of France.
Dewsbury Moor's tribute to our Archie. RIP young man. Always a Moor boy xx pic.twitter.com/pWCTfiZ2c1
— Dewsbury Moor ARLFC (@dewsburymoorARL) August 18, 2019
Devastation over tragic death
In a post on the Batley Bulldogs website, the club said he had been training with the side with a view to the 2020 season.
The message said: “Due to his energy and enthusiasm head coach Matt Diskin handed him a first professional outing, against Toulouse Olympique, yesterday evening.
“Playing the final 30 minutes of the game he made a great impact with darting runs, and his excitement was clear for all to see post match.
“A smart, polite, funny and extremely likeable young man, his death is an absolute tragedy.”
The RFL Benevolent Fund provides relief for players who have been injured whilst playing or training for rugby league.
The online fundraiser was set up to benefit charities which he supported.
❤ All of our thoughts at Hull Kingston Rovers are with Archie Bruce's family, friends and everybody at the @BatleyRLFC club at this difficult time. https://t.co/yCWzNHJ7te
— Hull Kingston Rovers (@hullkrofficial) August 18, 2019
Teams have won or lost today but nothing will bring back a young man in his prime.
Always remember it's only a game and treasure the truly important things in life.
RIP Archie, and sincere condolences to his family, friends and all at @BatleyRLFC. https://t.co/da6t3mjEhp— James Deighton (@rlwithjd) August 18, 2019
Very sad news in #RLChampionship with the death of Archie Bruce of @BatleyRLFC only hours after making his debut in Toulouse.
My thoughts with everyone associated with Archie.
What a tragedy.#RIPArchieBruce— Matt Pritchard (@MattPNBL) August 18, 2019
Can’t stop thinking bout Archie Bruce and it’s making me so upset
— Amy (@amyrobertshaw_) August 19, 2019
With agencies
