- The back-rower died in Nov 2021 because of undetected rugby-related mind injury
- SRU new chairman has since mentioned they need to have managed the scenario higher
- The governing physique have been criticised for not holding an unbiased inquiry
The household of former Scottish rugby ahead Siobhan Cattigan say they want solutions earlier than they’ll ‘start to grieve’ her demise.
The 26-year-old back-rower died in November 2021 after undetected rugby-related mind injury brought about a major decline in her well being, her household declare.
Cattigan, who performed 19 occasions for her nation, suffered two concussions whereas on worldwide obligation and her household say she was not given the required help from the Scottish Rugby Union for mind accidents.
They’ve additionally criticised the governing physique for not holding an unbiased inquiry into the circumstances that led to her demise.
Now, in a household assertion they’ve mentioned: ‘There are these inside Scottish Rugby who’ve inquiries to reply concerning the remedy, or lack thereof, in the direction of Siobhan.
The Scottish back-rower performed 19 occasions for her nation earlier than her demise in November 2021
Siobhan pictured together with her associate, Ann Taylor, who has honoured the lifetime of the rugby participant
‘Mr [John] McGuigan [the SRU’s new chairman] contacted us some months in the past to say he wished, so far as his capabilities would allow, to proper the wrongs.
‘We’re extraordinarily grateful that he has acted with integrity, humanity and decency, reaching out to us from an organisation that had beforehand handled our household and, extra importantly, Siobhan’s reminiscence shamefully with unkind feedback and disrespectful actions being made by senior executives.
‘Thanks to each single one who has supported our damaged hearts and saved our stunning wee woman’s reminiscence alive, we now have an extended highway forward.’
Talking on the Scottish Rugby annual assembly on Saturday, McGuigan mentioned this ‘tragic scenario’ ought to have been managed higher by the physique.
‘Having listened to the household I would like on behalf of Scottish Rugby to ask for forgiveness,’ he mentioned.
‘As the brand new Chair of SRL I want to apologise wholeheartedly for any anguish we brought about Siobhan throughout her time with Scottish Rugby and to her household and family members following her passing.
‘Albeit Scottish Rugby didn’t intend to trigger misery to the household by means of our actions, it is clear we must always have managed this tragic scenario higher. Now we have listened and heeded the teachings and, in Siobhan’s reminiscence, commit to creating modifications to make sure we’re a greater organisation sooner or later.
Siobhan’s father Neil pictured at a Pink concussions speak at an occasion with Ann Taylor
‘Her dad and mom, Neil and Morven, defined to me that becoming a member of the Scotland squad in 2018 was an extremely proud second for Siobhan and her household.
‘Nevertheless throughout her time as a world participant with Scottish Rugby till her passing and thereafter, her household and mates firmly imagine Scottish Rugby ought to have finished extra to help Siobhan and her reminiscence.’
He additionally added: ‘We additionally take accountability for Scottish Rugby’s dealing with of sure parts surrounding Siobhan’s funeral, together with not relaying the household’s needs to each participant which meant a few of Siobhan’s team-mates didn’t get the chance to attend her funeral.
‘We additionally let the household down by in a roundabout way contacting the household nor visiting after Siobhan’s passing to supply our condolences.’
Cattigan performed for Stirling County from 2014 till 2021 after attending college there as properly.
Now her household say that they want solutions from the Scottish Rugby Union over her demise
