Budding rugby league player Archie Bruce has been found dead in his hotel room, it has been confirmed.
The 20-year-old had made his debut for Batley Bulldogs during a match at Toulouse on Saturday night.
Club chairman Kevin Nicholas said in a statement: “Batley Bulldogs are greatly saddened to announce the passing of their player Archie Bruce who was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning having made his debut against Toulouse the previous evening.”
Nicholas added: “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.”
Bruce had recently joined the Bulldogs from amateur club Dewsbury Moor and made his debut off the replacement’s bench in the 46-0 defeat to Toulouse in the south of France.
Inquiries are being conducted in
France and the club’s players have delayed their return home.Related... England's Lionesses Can Help Change The Game On The Gender Pay Gap – Here's How