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Bulldogs debutant found dead in hotel after match

BATLEY BULLDOGS scrum-half Archie Bruce has been found dead in his hotel bedroom, the Championship rugby league club announced yesterday.

The 20-year-old had made his debut for Batley during Saturday night’s match against Toulouse in the south of France.

Club chairman Kevin Nicholas said: “Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while enquiries by the French authorities continue, with the club squad delaying their return to the UK.

Bruce had joined the Bulldogs from amateur club Dewsbury Moor and made his debut off the replacements bench in the 46-0 defeat to Toulouse.

England and St Helens prop Alex Walmsley, who was born in Dewsbury and started his career at Batley, tweeted: “Incredibly sad news to wake up to, my condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates at both Batley and Dewsbury Moor. RIP Archie.”

A minute’s silence was observed before yesterday’s Championship matches in Bruce’s memory.

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