Archie Bruce death: Tributes paid to tragic Rugby League star, 20
Tributes have been paid to tragic Rugby League star Archie Bruce after the 20-year-old was found dead in his hotel room.
Bruce had just made debut for Championship side Batley Bulldogs against Toulouse on Saturday .
Club chairman Kevin Nicholas confirmed the news in a statement via the RFL:
“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. Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while enquiries by the French authorities continue, with the club squad delaying their return to the UK.
“The Bruce family have requested privacy during this most difficult of times.”
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
.......Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while enquiries by the French authorities continue, with the club squad delaying their return to the UK.
The Bruce family have requested privacy during this most difficult of times.— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) August 18, 2019
Bruce, who had recently joined the Bulldogs from Yorkshire amateur club Dewsbury Moor, made his debut off the replacement’s bench in his new side’s 46-0 defeat to Toulouse in the south of France.
Inquiries are being conducted in France and players have delayed their return home.
Desperately sad news coming out of @BatleyRLFC this morning. Condolences to everyone at the club and friends & family of Archie Bruce.
Just 20 years old and his first ever game. So, so sad. #RugbyLeague— Gavin Wilson (@GavWilson) August 18, 2019
Very sad news in #RLChampionship with the death of Archie Bruce of @BatleyRLFC only hours after making his debut in Toulouse.
My thoughts with everyone associated with Archie.
What a tragedy.#RIPArchieBruce— Matt Pritchard (@MattPNBL) August 18, 2019
My condolences to the family And all connected to Archie Bruce only 20 years old ..only just made his debut for @BatleyRLFC a young lad with what seemed a promising career ahead of him... life is so cruel 😥
— Michele Holden (@Michele78318380) August 18, 2019
Super League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Batley Bulldogs player Archie Bruce. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 18, 2019
The RFL requested a minute’s silence to be held before all Sunday’s fixtures in Super League, Women’s Super League, Championship and League One, to pay tribute to Bruce.
A fund has also been set up in his name to assist his family through Just Giving: justgiving.com/fundraising/archie-bruce-1
