A 20-year-old rugby league player, Archie Bruce has been found dead in his hotel room in France.
Archie Bruce made his debut for Championship side Batley Bulldogs from the bench last night against Toulouse but he was later found dead early this morning.
Archie had only been signed by the club from local amateur side Dewsbury Moor ahead of the trip to France due to a depleted squad.
A statement from club chairman Kevin Nicholas read:
“Batley Bulldogs are greatly saddened to announce the passing of their player Archie Bruce (20) 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.
“The Bruce family have requested privacy during this most difficult of times.”
Dewsbury Moor tweeted: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our player Archie Bruce (20).
“Archie made his debut for Batley yesterday in Toulouse and was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to Archie’s family, team mates and friends. RIP.”
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
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at @LondonBroncosRL go out to the friends and family of Archie Bruce and all at @BatleyRLFC#rugbyfamilypic.twitter.com/11my2WQyfl
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) August 18, 2019
HunsletRLFC wrote; Sincere condolences to the family of @BatleyRLFC player Archie Bruce who made his debut for the club in @TOXIII last evening, thoughts and prayers with the club and his family & friends, such tragic news.
Sincere condolences to the family of @BatleyRLFC player Archie Bruce who made his debut for the club in @TOXIII last evening, thoughts and prayers with the club and his family & friends, such tragic news.
— Hunslet RLFC (@HunsletRLFC) August 18, 2019
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