Rugby star dies aged 20 after suffering injury during match

Maddy Lawrence passed away aged 20
Maddy Lawrence passed away aged 20
Instagram/uwewrugby
Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 29/03/2022

- 10:36

Updated: 29/03/2022

- 12:37

Maddy ‘Twinkle toes’ Lawrence passed away on March 25, her club confirmed

A 20-year-old old rugby star has died after suffering an injury during a match.

The University of the West of England Player, Maddy ‘Twinkle toes’ Lawrence, passed away on March 25, the club confirmed.


In a statement on Instagram, the UWE said: “Celebrating the life of Maddy ‘Twinkle toes’ Lawrence who sadly left us too soon on March 25.

“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."

The statement continued: “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.

Ms Lawrence has been described as a %22bubbly girl%22
Ms Lawrence has been described as a "bubbly girl"
Instagram/uwewrugby

The RFU have paid tribute to Ms Lawrence
The RFU have paid tribute to Ms Lawrence
Twitter/RFU

“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.”

The club is asking for all women’s teams to hold a one-minute applause before each game this weekend.

Tributes have started pouring in for Ms Lawrence, including England’s rugby governing body, the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The RFU 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."

Domestic rugby club Wasps also paid tribute, offering their “heartfelt sympathies".

The club posted: “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.”

A previous version of this article stated that Maddy was 25, it has been brought to our attention that she was actually 20.

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