Rugby star, 20, died from taking double fatal dose of powerful painkiller as ... trends now
A young rugby star, 20, died after an overdose of a powerful painkiller, an inquest heard.
Archie Bruce, who was tipped to be a future star, overdosed on August 18, 2019 after playing his first semi-pro match for West Yorkshire team Batley Bulldogs during an overseas game.
Although they lost 46-0, the promising scrum-half went out celebrating with teammates in Toulouse, some of whom used cocaine as well as the painkiller Tramadol at the time, the hearing was told.
Mr Bruce was found dead in his hotel room the following day, with a fatal quantity of Tramadol in his body.
In a statement, his family said Mr Bruce had decided to be a rugby player at the age of 13 and his professional debut was 'the culmination of his short life's dream'.
They added: 'Archie had a bright future ahead playing the sport he loved. Having just played his professional debut, Archie was excited, impressionable, vulnerable and wanting to fit in.'
Archie Bruce (pictured) overdosed after playing his first semi-pro match for West Yorkshire team Batley Bulldogs during an overseas game on August 18, 2019
was found dead in his hotel room in Toulouse with a fatal quantity of Tramadol in his body
Following the inquest, a West Yorkshire coroner has called for the Rugby Football League (RFL) to introduce new drug safety measures.
The powerful prescription pill Tramadol has gained a notorious reputation in sport - particularly at semi-pro level - for being a 'dirty drug' popular with players who want to treat injuries.
The use of Tramadol was popular among Batley players self-treating injuries, or even using the drug recreationally alongside alcohol for its relaxing effects, the inquest was told.
It was popular among players self-treating
