French 17-year-old Clea Menier dies after on-field injury during under-18s match

Clea Menier, a 17-year-old back row for Union du Bassin Marmandais Under-18s, died after suffering an on-field injury during an under-18s match against Agen Agglo Rugby in France on Saturday. She received medical attention at the ground and was later taken to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where she died from her injuries.

Menier was an amateur player. Her club described the incident as an "accident" and neither Union du Bassin Marmandais nor the French Rugby Federation (FFR) disclosed the nature of her injury following the match.

In a club statement Union du Bassin Marmandais paid tribute to the emergency services who treated her and expressed the depth of the loss: "It is with immense sadness and indescribable pain that Union du Bassin Marmandais learned of the death of Clea," the club said. "We are also thinking of her loved ones and friends, whose immense pain we share, as well as her team-mates, coaches, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and sharing their passion for rugby with her. "This is a terrible ordeal for our club. We will get through it together - united, standing in solidarity, and looking after one another."

The French Rugby Federation issued its own statement offering support to those affected by the death. "This loss has deeply shaken the entire rugby family," the FFR said. "In these moments of sadness, the FFR wishes to express its full support and solidarity to Clea's family and loved ones. "It also extends its sincerest condolences to her team-mates, coaches, and all members of Union du Bassin Marmandais."

The FFR added: "Every effort will be made to understand the circumstances surrounding this accident."