In a heartfelt apology, Scottish Rugby has acknowledged that they “let down” the family of former international player Siobhan Cattigan. The regrettable incident surrounds the tribute to Cattigan at Murrayfield prior to the Six Nations match against Ireland in 2023.
Siobhan Cattigan tragically passed away in November 2021, with her family alleging that undetected rugby-related brain damage played a significant role in her decline and eventual demise at the young age of 26. Cattigan, a back row player, had experienced two concussions while representing Scotland, and her family had previously criticized the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) for not initiating an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. They assert that their daughter, who had earned 19 caps between 2018 and 2021, did not receive the necessary assistance for her brain injuries. Consequently, legal action was initiated against both Scottish Rugby and World Rugby.
Speaking at the Scottish Rugby annual general meeting, the newly appointed chairman, John McGuigan, expressed deep remorse, stating that they “should have managed this tragic situation better” and accepting responsibility for the handling of “certain elements surrounding Siobhan’s funeral.”
One glaring oversight was the failure to inform Cattigan’s teammates of the family’s desire for their presence at her tribute. Furthermore, Scottish Rugby admitted they should have directly contacted the family to offer condolences and handled subsequent events differently.
McGuigan emphasized his engagement with Cattigan’s parents and partner over recent months, with ongoing discussions aimed at addressing the situation. He stated, “Having listened to the family, I want on behalf of Scottish Rugby to say sorry,” adding, “I wish to apologize wholeheartedly for any anguish we caused Siobhan during her time with Scottish Rugby and to her family and loved ones following her passing.”
While Scottish Rugby maintains that their actions were not intended to cause distress to the family, they recognize the need for improved management in such tragic circumstances. McGuigan concluded by pledging to learn from this incident, with the memory of Siobhan Cattigan inspiring changes to ensure Scottish Rugby becomes a better organization in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of handling sensitive situations with care and empathy, especially in the world of sports, where the well-being of athletes should always be a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Apology
What led to Scottish Rugby issuing an apology?
Scottish Rugby issued an apology due to their mishandling of the tribute to former international player Siobhan Cattigan, who tragically passed away in November 2021. Her family alleged that undetected rugby-related brain damage contributed to her decline and death, prompting criticism of the SRU for not conducting an independent inquiry into the circumstances.
What specific aspects of the tribute did Scottish Rugby admit to mishandling?
Scottish Rugby acknowledged several shortcomings in handling the tribute to Siobhan Cattigan. They failed to inform her teammates of the family’s desire for their presence at the tribute. Additionally, they should have directly contacted the family to offer condolences and managed certain elements surrounding Siobhan’s funeral more sensitively.
What was the response of Scottish Rugby’s new chairman, John McGuigan?
John McGuigan, the newly appointed chairman of Scottish Rugby, expressed deep remorse for the situation and accepted responsibility for the organization’s actions. He apologized wholeheartedly to the Cattigan family and pledged to learn from the incident. McGuigan committed to making changes within Scottish Rugby to ensure better management of such situations in the future.
What legal actions were taken by Siobhan Cattigan’s family?
Siobhan Cattigan’s family initiated legal action against both Scottish Rugby and World Rugby, alleging that their daughter did not receive the necessary assistance for her brain injuries sustained during her rugby career.
How does Scottish Rugby plan to honor Siobhan Cattigan’s memory moving forward?
Scottish Rugby, inspired by the memory of Siobhan Cattigan, has committed to making changes to become a better organization in the future. They aim to learn from this incident and ensure that sensitive situations, especially those involving player well-being, are handled with care and empathy.
More about Rugby Apology
- Scottish Rugby Apologizes for Mishandling Siobhan Cattigan Tribute
- Siobhan Cattigan’s Family Alleges Rugby-Related Brain Damage
- John McGuigan’s Apology and Pledge for Change
- Legal Action Taken by Siobhan Cattigan’s Family
- Scottish Rugby’s Commitment to Honor Siobhan Cattigan’s Memory
4 comments
brain injury in rugby is a big issue. shldv been taken more srsly. hpe this makes rugby safer.
this is so saaad. Cattigan deserved a proper tribute. good they admit mistkes n want 2 change.
woah, cant blieve they messd up th tribute 4 Siobhan Cattigan. its rly sad. good 2 c them sayin sry tho, hope thy do bettr nxt time.
Sports orgs gotta do bettr, brain injuries r no joke. Hope they improve safety n care 4 players.