The SRU has confirmed that an exterior evaluation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic dying of former worldwide No 8 Siobhan Cattigan in 2021 has concluded.
The sport’s governing physique in Scotland performed an goal “fact-finding train” led by legislation agency Pinsent Masons LLP after Cattigan handed away in late 2021 aged simply 26.
Associated: Siobhan Cattigan tribute held earlier than Scotland v Eire
On the time of her passing, the Cattigan household mentioned: “It had obtained to the purpose the place she might now not reside with the ache in her head and Siobhan succumbed to an irrational thought and impulsive motion”.
Scottish Rugby launched an announcement which said: “The Scottish Rugby Restricted (SRL) and Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) Boards met on Friday, 7 July, to debate the outcomes of an goal fact-finding train commissioned by SRL into the occasions and circumstances earlier than and after the tragic passing of Scotland worldwide Siobhan Cattigan in November 2021.
“The exterior evaluation was undertaken by Pinsent Masons LLP, following its instruction in the summertime of 2022. The evaluation’s scope included – however was not restricted to – inspecting some particular questions and allegations raised both on to Scottish Rugby or by the media.
“Siobhan’s passing is the topic of an ongoing investigation by the Crown Workplace and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). Scottish Rugby is dedicated to offering its full help to the investigations undertaken by COPFS.
“Scottish Rugby is set to share publicly as a lot of the evaluation as potential. That being mentioned, her passing stands out as the topic of a civil authorized declare. Subsequently, Scottish Rugby is fastidiously contemplating what data is legally applicable and potential to share publicly presently. Authorized recommendation from Pinsent Masons has been sought on this regard.
Learn extra: Siobhan Cattigan tragedy: Questions should be answered
“If any classes may be realized by Scottish Rugby from the choices taken and occasions occurring round Siobhan’s passing, we’re totally dedicated to doing so. As a matter of observe Scottish Rugby repeatedly opinions its present processes to make sure they help a well-established and unwavering dedication to participant welfare. It is a point of interest in mild of this present evaluation. Scottish Rugby has contributed extensively to worldwide medical research and participant steerage round concussion consciousness for the previous decade.
Associated: Enjoying by grief: A particular report
“Actions taken by Scottish Rugby which might be thought-about on the forefront of the game globally embody:
- Enjoying a central function in growing the now globally recognised ‘If unsure, sit them out’ concussion consciousness steerage, in place since 2014.
- Launching the UK’s first Mind Well being Clinic at Murrayfield in 2022 to allow former worldwide gamers to handle their psychological well being and well-being.
- Being one of many first Unions beginning in 2021 to usher in mouth-guard expertise to extend data of head impacts on skilled gamers.
“Scottish Rugby’s management needs to specific its deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the Cattigan household, Siobhan’s mates and teammates throughout what continues to be a really unhappy, difficult and tough time. Scottish Rugby stays prepared to fulfill and have interaction with the Cattigan household ought to they need.”
Obtain the digital version of Rugby World straight to your pill or subscribe to the print version to get the journal delivered to your door.
Comply with Rugby World on Fb, Instagram and Twitter.
