A minute’s applause will be held across the country today following the tragic news of UWE rugby player Maddy Lawrence’s death.
The rugby community is pulling together in support of her family, and in memory of Maddy, to pay tribute after she died in hospital on March 25 following an injury in a rugby match.
The 20-year-old university rugby player was taken to hospital with an injury sustained during a game against the University of Bristol on March 7. The injury at the time was not seen to be life threatening, however a bacterial infection left her having “life-saving surgeries every day” in intensive care.
Rugby clubs around the country have taken to social media to announce their intentions of holding a minute’s applause before games this weekend.
Hampshire RFU tweeted: “Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maddy Lawrence. Please consider the request to women’s rugby teams for one minute of applause in her memory.”
South West division One club Old Patesians RFC tweeted: “Following the tragic loss of UWE student and rugby player Maddy Lawrence, we will hold a minute’s applause on Sunday.”
Some teams have already held a minute’s silence, as BUCS Super Rugby tweeted before Wednesday’s fixtures: “In solidarity with the rugby community and Maddy’s friends, family and teammates, we will hold a minute’s applause before the BUCS Super Rugby semi-finals tomorrow to celebrate Maddy’s life.”
Earlier this week, Maddy’s family paid tribute to her, saying: "Maddy’s presence, bravery, spirit, goodness, sass, beauty and love will never be forgotten and is felt all around us and in us and always will be.”
In an Instagram post, UWE women’s rugby club said: "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."
