SRU ACCUSED OF ‘ERASING’ STAR FROM HISTORY

SRU officials of being ‘callous and uncaring’ towards their family since Cattigan’s death last November at the age of 26. They also alleged that the governing body are ‘now taking steps to discredit our version of events’. SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said at the SRU AGM two weeks ago that court ‘may be the most appropriate place for this to end up’ as he rejected calls for an independent inquiry into Cattigan’s death. Chairman John Jeffrey said at the same event he was ‘comfortable with the actions of our people’ adding a hope that ‘in time, the full story will come out’. The new statement from the Cattigans came on the day the Scotland women’s squad gave their full backing to head coach Bryan Easson, who had also been criticised by the family. They insisted they had total faith in the Scotland women’s medical team that had also come under fire. ‘As a family grieving our beloved Siobhan, we have been shocked and distressed by the recent actions of the SRU,’ said the Cattigans’ statement. ‘We cannot understand why the SRU are resisting an independent inquiry into the circumstances leading up to Siobhan’s death. We believe this is the best way for the facts to emerge. ‘As an international rugby player, we are firm in our belief that Siobhan was not given the support and assistance she required in the aftermath of injuries she suffered both during training and rugby games. ‘We believe she suffered undetected brain damage caused by repetitive brain injuries received on the rugby field which led to a significant and catastrophic decline in her health. ‘Further, if Siobhan’s welfare had been prioritised and had been referred for scans/neurology at any point during her illness, we believe she would still be with us. ‘We also feel that the SRU has been callous and uncaring in its treatment of our family since Siobhan’s death. They have attempted to erase Siobhan from history, our beautiful, precious child.’ The family said that no one from the SRU had been in direct contact with them since February. The statement continued: ‘The organisation is now taking active steps to discredit our version of events. ‘This was clear at the recent SRU press conference, the transcript of which shows senior SRU personnel being evasive and unable to answer basic questions about how Siobhan and her family were treated. ‘Siobhan was one of “their people” but, rather than the inconvenience of a review, we have a life sentence ahead of us. ‘Our hope is that the SRU will concentrate on embedding positive changes in the wake of Siobhan’s death — and start showing compassion and dignity to respect her memory and our grief. An independent inquiry would be a good place to start.’ They also made clear that any money won from the SRU in a civil action would be directed to a foundation they plan to set up in her memory. The statement added: ‘We would like to reiterate that we would give anything to have our precious girl back. We will grieve forever because we will love her forever. ‘We earnestly hope the numerous changes implemented in the women’s game since Siobhan’s passing continue and that lessons are learnt. Siobhan would want safety and welfare prioritised for all those who follow on from her. ‘She lived her life supporting and being a listening ear to others and we would like her legacy continued. If this is taken to court, any settlement will go into a Foundation in Siobhan’s memory.’ The SRU refused to comment when contacted by Sportsmail.