The family of former Stirling County and Scotland rugby star Siobhan Cattigan are urging the Scottish Rugby Union to allow a tribute to her memory to be paid during a Six Nations clash next month.
The 26-year-old, from Callander, passed away in November 2021, with the cause of her death never full explained.
Her family have called on Scotland’s rugby authorities to initiate a full inquiry into the circumstances of her death, alleging that rugby-related brain trauma played a role after Siobhan’s received two concussions on international duty in February 2020 and March 2021.
An anticipated meeting between the SRU and MSP Sue Webber, who is looking into the case, was held last week - with the SRU reiterating that a ‘fact-finding process’ has been launched into Siobhan’s case.
However, in a statement posted on social media last Thursday, her family have criticised the SRU’s “resistance” to efforts to pay tribute to the popular rugby star and stressed that efforts to pay homage to her memory have so far been instigated by squad members in the women’s side.
The statement then calls on the SRU to commit to having Siobhan’s image broadcast on the Murrayfield screens and receive the chance for an ovation from the crowd in attendance at next month’s Scotland vs Ireland Six Nations clash.
The family have also asked for Siobhan’s ‘Shibby’ number eight jersey to be laid down as a mark of repect before the match.
In the statement, they wrote: “Time will tell whether this will be permitted.
“Her life and contribution as a Scotland player recognised (which is so long overdue) in memory of our beautiful, kind, selfless, talented daughter who loved her family, her partner, her life and her rugby so very passionately. She deserves no less.”
They added: “We have been made aware of a ‘fact finding process’ which has been instigated by the SRU lawyers.
“This has apparently been taking place since last summer and, as we now understand, is approaching completion.
“Once again, we reiterate our repeated calls for a fully transparent, independent enquiry (sic) with which we, of course, would fully engage with.”
Siobhan’s image appeared on the big screens at Murrayfield on Saturday during Scotland’s 35-7 victory over Wales in the Sux Nations, alongside other Scotland players who have also passed away in the last year.
In a statement to the Observer this week, an SRU spokesperson told said: “We are considering the requests.”
