Bulldogs debutant found dead
Batley Bulldogs scrum-half Archie Bruce was found dead in his hotel bedroom shortly after making his debut for the Betfred Championship club at the weekend.
The 20-year-old came on as a replacement in the 46-0 defeat away to Toulouse, with the club describing him as appearing enthused by the experience after the match.
Bruce had been training with Batley with a view to playing for them next season, but “his energy and enthusiasm” prompted head coach Matt Diskin to hand Bruce his first professional appearance.
Bulldogs said he “made a great impact with darting runs” when he came on for the last 30 minutes of the match in the south of France. They went on to describe him as a “smart, polite, funny and extremely likeable young man” and called his death “an absolute tragedy”.
Bruce impressed with amateur side Dewsbury Moor before joining Bulldogs, the West Yorkshire club ninth in the Championship. Dewsbury posted on their website: “Archie played rugby league at Dewsbury Moor since under-8s and at the age of 20 had been playing in the NCL open age team for a couple of years. We are immensely proud that Archie made his debut for Batley Bulldogs last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with Archie’s family, team-mates and friends at this extremely sad time.”
England and St Helens prop Alex Walmsley, who was born in Dewsbury and started his career with the Bulldogs, also expressed his shock. “Incredibly sad news, my condolences go out to his family, friends and team-mates at both Batley and Dewsbury Moor. RIP Archie,” Walmsley wrote on social media.
Toulouse offered their condolences to Bruce’s family, friends and the club, adding: “We will do our maximum to support them.”
A minute’s silence was observed in Bruce’s memory before yesterday’s five Championship matches. The RFL Benevolent Fund has created a Just Giving Page in Bruce’s name.