A young Batley Bulldogs player was sadly found dead in his hotel room in France only a day after making his debut for the side.
Archie Bruce, 20, made his debut for the Championship rugby league side in a match against French team Toulouse on Saturday evening (August 17), yet was found dead in his hotel room early on Sunday morning.
The scrum half had been signed by the club from local amateur side Dewsbury Moor ahead of the trip to France.
Bruce's family have been informed, and a statement from Batley Bulldogs was issued on Sunday morning by the Club Chairman Kevin Nicholas.
He said: "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.
"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."
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