News / UWE Bristol
Tributes paid to UWE rugby player Maddy Lawrence who has died following injury
Known as ‘Twinkle Toes’, Maddy Lawrence will always be remembered by everyone who knew her.
Maddy tragically died following an injury she received while playing rugby for UWE in a match against the University of Bristol.
Twenty-year-old Maddy was playing as a winger for UWE’s second XV on March 9 when she was injured during a tackle. She was taken to hospital but died on March 25.
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Tributes have been paid from across the rugby community, including from the RFU who said that it extended its “heartfelt sympathies to (her) family and friends”.
A fundraiser celebrating Maddy’s life is taking place on Wednesday at Lockleaze Sports Centre where she played and trained as part of UWE Women’s Rugby.
Her team will also be retiring the number 11 shirt in Maddy’s honour.
Maddy Lawrence played on the wing for UWE Women’s Rugby – photo: UWE Women’s Rugby
In a post on Instagram, Maddy’s teammates said that she “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.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbrai1asraY/
A spokesperson for UWE Bristol said: “Everyone in the UWE Bristol community is profoundly shocked and saddened by the death of our student and talented UWE Women’s Rugby player Maddy Lawrence.
“We would like to pass on our deepest condolences and sympathies to Maddy’s family, friends and teammates, at this very difficult time.
“Fellow students, university staff and members of the UWE Bristol sporting community affected by this tragic news can access a full range of university support services offered by our Wellbeing Service or can contact the Samaritans helpline.”
Maddy was a much-loved member of UWE’s student family – photo: UWE Women’s Rugby
Tom Monks, head of UWE Women’s Rugby Union, added: “Maddy was an absolute pleasure to coach. She wanted to learn and appreciated every playing opportunity that her dedication warranted.
“The unity and togetherness of this year’s squad is the strongest I’ve ever felt in my 20 years of coaching and Maddy’s beaming smile and warmth embodied the incredible bond we have.”
Main photo: UWE Women’s Rugby / Instagram
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