Cléa Ménier passed away after suffering a head injury during a match last Saturday

A 17-year-old amateur female rugby player in France has died following a head injury.

The French Rugby Federation announced that Cléa Ménier, a young player at Union du Bassin Marmandais, had passed away after being seriously injured during a match against Agen Agglo Rugby last weekend.

According to La Dépêche, the back-row went into cardiac arrest after a blow to the head. After being rushed to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, she sadly died from her injuries.

In a statement, the FFR said: "This loss has deeply affected the entire rugby community.

"In these moments of great sadness, the FFR wishes to express its full support and solidarity to Cléa's family and loved ones.

"It also extends its sincerest condolences to her teammates, coaches, and all members of the Union du Bassin Marmandais, who are all deeply affected by this terrible tragedy.

"Everything will be done to understand the circumstances of this accident."

The club also issued a statement, saying: "It is with immense sadness and indescribable sorrow that Union du Bassin Marmandais learned of the passing of Cléa, 17, a young player at our club, following an accident during the match against Agen Agglo Rugby on Saturday, October 17, in Marmande.

"We wish to sincerely acknowledge all of the emergency and healthcare teams who worked tirelessly by Cléa’s side, from the firefighters and emergency medical services (SMUR) to the emergency department and surgical intensive care teams at Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux.

"Today, the entire Union du Bassin Marmandais family is in shock and plunged into profound grief.

"Our first thoughts go out to her family: her parents, Cécile and Johann; her brother, Clément; and her sister, Coline, an active player in our club’s cadet section.

"We are also thinking of her loved ones and friends, whose immense pain we share, as well as her teammates, coaches, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and sharing their passion for rugby with her.

"We also want to extend a message of support and solidarity to all members, volunteers, club officials, and families across our club who are deeply shaken by this loss.

"Since Sunday, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has been fully mobilized alongside the club and Cléa’s family to offer their complete support and stand with them through this painful trial.

"In particular, a psychological support unit has been set up in coordination with the FFR for anyone in need of assistance.

"This is a terrible ordeal for our club. We will get through it together—united, standing in solidarity, and looking after one another.

"Today, our thoughts are above all with Cléa and her family. Our club is in mourning."