Cattigan death left Scots icon ‘heartbroken’

JOHN JEFFREY said he had been left ‘heartbroken’ by the tragic death of former Scotland flanker Siobhan Cattigan.

The Cattigan family have launched a civil action against the SRU and World Rugby, alleging a lack of duty of care for the women’s international, who died seven months after picking up a head injury on the pitch. On Saturday, it was revealed that the SRU would not be sanctioning an external inquiry into her death — and that the courts may be the ‘most appropriate’ place to establish the facts.

‘The account, as relayed by her parents Neil and Morven, was heartbreaking, whether you are a parent or simply someone connected to rugby,’ said Jeffrey. ‘Many people across Scottish rugby continue to be deeply affected.

‘Scottish Rugby takes everyone’s welfare as a priority and our medical team who have led on concussion and brain health and management teams are leaders in the world game, of which we are rightfully proud. ‘Having said that, we were extremely disturbed to read the allegations two weeks ago in the Sunday Times.

This is a complex and sensitive area and, as you will now know, also subject to the possibility of legal proceedings. ‘This means we cannot be as open in responding to allegations made or some of the contents of the article as we might otherwise wish. ‘Our medical personnel continue to be bound by obligations of patient confidentiality. I hope that through time and a thorough examination of the facts, a more accurate and complete picture will emerge.’