French rugby will observe a nationwide moment of applause this weekend to honor Cléa, a 17-year-old amateur player who died following an on-field accident, lefigaro.fr reported. The Fédération Française de Rugby announced the national tribute following the tragedy, which occurred during a match between Cléa’s club, the Union du Bassin Marmandais, and Agen Agglo Rugby in Marmande.

A Nationwide Tribute Across Amateur and Professional Pitches

The tribute will span all levels of the sport throughout France during the weekend of October 24 and 25. A moment of applause is scheduled before the kickoff of every amateur rugby match nationwide. The Ligue Nationale de Rugby confirmed that professional fixtures will observe the same protocol across all professional grounds.

In a formal statement released to the press, the FFR explained the decision was made in direct agreement with the teenager’s family. «Pour honorer sa mémoire, témoigner de son soutien et de sa solidarité envers sa famille, ses proches, ses coéquipières et son club, la Fédération Française de Rugby a décidé, en accord avec la famille de Cléa, de lui rendre hommage ce week-end sur l’ensemble des terrains de rugby français,» the governing body stated.

The XV de France Joins the Mourning in International Competition

The remembrance extends to international competition as the France women’s national team prepares to take the field. Players on the XV de France Féminin will wear black armbands during their test match against New Zealand.

Cléa suffered her fatal injury during regular play on Saturday, October 17, in Marmande. The adolescent player died at the hospital after the match from the severity of her injuries. The FFR confirmed on Wednesday that an inquiry is underway, promising that everything possible will be done to understand the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.

Grief at Union du Bassin Marmandais

The tragedy has left the local club and the broader regional sporting community in profound grief. «Toute la famille de l’Union du bassin marmandais est sous le choc et plongée dans une profonde tristesse,» the club said in a statement.

The FFR emphasized that the weekend’s nationwide gatherings are intended to unite players, coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, and supporters in shared remembrance. The federation noted that the tributes aim to keep Cléa’s memory alive in accordance with the wishes of her family and loved ones.