With the inquest into the passing of UWE Women’s Rugby player Maddy Lawrence coming to a close, the club have released the following statement…

“Over the course of the past 18 months, the UWE Women's Rugby team has been on a journey filled with a multitude of emotions. Within this rollercoaster of experiences, there have been moments of profound loss, as we mourned the departure of our beloved Maddy, affectionately known as 'Twinkle Toes' among us. But, amidst the heartache, we have also been enveloped by the warmth of an incredible rugby community, the unwavering support of TeamUWE, and most importantly, the bonds we share with each other as a team.

Maddy Lawrence was more than just a teammate; she was the force that brought us together, uniting us through the love we all held for her. Her infectious positivity, her ever-present smile, and her bubbly personality left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Through the creation of Maddy's Mark Foundation, a testament to her incredible family's dedication, we have found a way to keep Maddy's spirit alive. To us at UWE Women's Rugby, her family is our family, and together we carry forward her message: "Don't be afraid to try something new, go enjoy life to the fullest, and make sure to dance."

As a club, we have worked hand in hand with Maddy's Mark, participating in a wide array of events that have taken us from our home pitch at Lockleaze Sport Centre for our annual Maddy's Match during the last week of the spring term to the hallowed grounds of Twickenham Stadium. We've cheered on matches, fundraised, walked, run, cycled, and even taken daring leaps from airplanes, all in Maddy's honour.

Maddy's legacy is firmly imprinted on our club, touching every girl who passes through our ranks, whether past, present, or future. She was not only a player but an embodiment of the spirit of rugby, which is so much more than a game to us. It's a place where friendships are forged, laughter fills the air, and, of course, there's always room for a good dance.

In every scrum, on every pitch, and in every heart, Maddy lives on, reminding us to embrace life fully, cherish each moment, and, most importantly, never stop dancing, smiling and being yourself because Maddy never did.”

If you have been impacted by the inquest, please reach out to our Advice Centre or UWE’s Wellbeing Team for support.