The unexpected death of a talented young rugby player has left her teammates and tight-knit community in mourning.
Bathurst Bulldogs star Teagan Miller, from Mudgee in central-west NSW, ‘unexpectedly’ died this week.
The Bathurst Bulldogs Rugby Club confirmed the news in a tribute to Ms Miller, described as a promising young player who brought the team closer.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of Teagan Miller,’ the post read.
‘She has left us unexpectedly, and we are all struggling to come to terms with the loss.
‘Teags was a valued member of the Bulldogs family whose presence on and off the field brought us all closer.’
Others in the tight-knit rugby community also shared their condolences for Ms Miller’s family, friends and teammates.
The cause of Ms Miller’s death is not yet known and funeral preparations are yet to be finalised.
Bathurst Bulldogs star Teagan Miller (pictured) from Mudgee in central-west NSW, ‘unexpectedly’ died this week, her rugby club confirmed on Thursday
The Bathurst Bulldogs Rugby Club shared a tribute to Ms Miller (pictured) on social media after the news broke
Ms Miller joined the Bathurst Bulldogs when she was 15-years-old and had been playing for more than 10 years.
‘We know that these are difficult times,’ the club wrote.
‘The Bulldog’s family will always remember beautiful Teagan and she will remain a young lady that had such an influence on our women’s rugby, Central West Rugby development and the development of our juniors.
‘Be like an eagle and fly to heights that no others can young lady.’
Mudgee Rugby Union Club also paid tribute to Ms Miller whose death has ‘affected the entire rugby community’.
‘Teagan was a bright, spirited presence in rugby, whose warmth and passion impacted everyone who knew her,’ the club wrote on social media.
‘Her unexpected passing has deeply affected the entire rugby community, including our own club here at Mudgee.
‘Teagan’s influence reached far beyond the field; she was a remarkable young woman who left her mark on women’s rugby, juniors, and all of Central West Rugby.’
Her club broke the news on social media that Ms Miller had ‘unexpectedly’ died
The club encouraged all members and fans to ‘lean on one another for strength and support’ in the wake of Ms Miller’s death.
‘If you are feeling the weight of this loss, please remember that help is available. Reach out to your teammates, friends, or family members. Let’s hold each other up as we navigate through this difficult time, the post continued.
‘It’s said rugby is the game they play in heaven, if it’s true, the game just became a little stronger. You will be dearly missed and forever remembered.’
Travla Beer named Ms Miller its player of the year after her ‘superb year’ in August.
She won the title after a nail-biting game at the Westfund Ferguson Cup decider.
‘Although her Bulldogs side couldn’t quite get over the line, Teags was monumental in the Bathurst side’s defeat,’ Central West Rugby Union wrote at the time.
‘She directed traffic with authority, leading her side within inches of a boil-over win.’
