All You Need To Know About Siobhan Cattigan Scottish Rugby Player Who Died In November

Scottish international rugby star Siobhan Cattigan passed away on Nov. 26 at the age of 26. The cause of her death has yet to be announced.

"It’s with a heavy heart we pass on the news of the tragic passing of Siobhan (Shibby) on Friday 26th November," the statement reads. "Shibby was a teammate & friend & we deeply mourn her loss. Our love, thoughts & heartfelt condolences are with Shibby’s family at this devastating time. We very much hope their privacy will be respected by everyone as they deal with their tragic loss," confirmed by Stirling County Rugby Club officials in a statement, Tuesday.

The Scottish Rugby Union expressed thought of comfort and condolences to the grieving family. The Union was said to provide needed support for the sudden passing of Cattigan.

Cattigan's Rugby Career

Cattigan, known as "Shibby," made her international debut against Wales at the 2018 Six Nations, the back-row won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021. She started playing for the Stirling County team in the year 2014. Cattigan was also the captain of the team and the team won the BUCS League in the 2016-17 season.

Cattigan was included in the team's tour to South Africa a year after her international debut, and she represented her country again at the Six Nations for the 2020 tournament. In April, she also started Scotland's 2021 Six Nations games against England, Italy, and Wales.

Her newest international involvement was during the 2021 Rugby World Cup Europe qualifiers as she came on as a substitute in a victory over Spain.

Equality in sports

The rugby union player began playing at the age of five in her hometown in Callander, Stirling. At that time, the coach of the team was her father who was also a player at the club. She also played at under 15 for Monklands Girls Team for only one season. She was very passionate about the sport and advocated for equality. She encouraged other women to pursue their dreams by calling out sexism in the sporting world.

Education

Cattigan earned a degree in criminology and sociology at the University of Stirling before earning a master's degree in sports psychology. Her sudden death has sparked several tributes within the rugby world.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan. She was a fine player and an inspiration to many, said World Rugby chairman and former England captain Bill Beaumont.