Young rugby star Maddy Lawrence dies aged 20 following injury

Rest in peace, Maddy

A young rugby star, Maddy Lawrence, has sadly died at the age of 20 after she suffered an injury during a game for the University of the West of England. Lawrence was playing for the side when she suffered the injury, before passing away on March 25. Her university posted an emotional tribute to Lawrence in which they described her as "bubbly", "fun" and "beautiful". They also confirmed that they would retire her number 11 shirt in her memory.

UWE pay tribute to 'bubbly', 'fun' and 'beautiful' Lawrence

It said: "Celebrating the life of Maddy ‘Twinkle toes’ Lawrence who sadly left us too soon on the 25th March. 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. "We will be retiring the number 11 shirt in Maddy’s honour and remembrance. "Rest in peace our beautiful girl." https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbpmn_yMeYb/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fdebd21a-8a74-4fbd-a2c1-be6bb975083e

RFU pay tribute to Lawrence

Tributes also poured in from several other outlets, including the Rugby Football Union (RFU) who tweeted: "On behalf of everyone at the RFU, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Maddy Lawrence. "The thoughts of everyone in the game are with UWE Women's Rugby, their players, members and the wider rugby community." Several other rugby clubs and communities also paid their condolences to Lawrence and her family. https://twitter.com/RFU/status/1508712931864858624