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A Welsh rugby club has been left devastated following the tragic death of one of their junior players whose “love for the game touched so many”.
Louis Cramp, who had been a member of Cardigan RFC since the age of seven, passed away having celebrated his 14th birthday earlier this month. He had been diagnosed with cancer in October 2024, when doctors discovered a lesion on his femur after he fractured his leg in a trampoline accident.
It was later confirmed that Louis had osteosarcoma – the most common primary bone cancer – and he underwent months of chemotherapy along with major surgery, including having an implant put in his leg on New Year’s Eve in 2024.
While hope followed, a fractured arm then revealed another tumour in September 2025, while, earlier this year, doctors discovered a number of lesions on his chest.
Tragically, Louis has now passed away, with Cardigan RFC paying tribute to the teenager, who they say will “always hold a special place” at the club and “will never be forgotten”.
“It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Louis Hess Cramp this morning,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
“Louis became part of the Cardigan RFC family at the age of just 7 and will always hold a special place in our club. His warmth, commitment, and love for the game touched so many, and his loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Louis’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches during this incredibly difficult time.
“As a club, we are here to support one another. If you are struggling or would simply like someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are one club, one family, and we will get through this together. Rest in peace, Louis. You will never be forgotten.”
The community of Cardigan rallied around Louis’ family in the wake of his diagnosis, with his young teammates agreeing to shave their heads in solidarity with him before he started his chemotherapy treatment.
Earlier this year, Louis’ mum Sherrelle spoke to WalesOnline after a fundraising campaign raised over £20,000 in a bid to enable the family to visit Australia, where he was born before moving to west Wales at a young age.
“I can’t explain what this all means to me and our family,” she said. “We’re going to the Scarlets game on Friday with a bus full of people from Cardigan RFC. He’ll get to meet the players and some of his mates are coming up for the game too. He’s rugby mad.
“What the rugby club have done, along with his cancer care team, the charity Latch, and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, is just insane.
“It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by people’s kindness. It just means that we’re able to be with him, to try and make his life as great as possible and to let him have as much fun as he can.
“Louis doesn’t want us to be sad,” Sherrelle added. “I have had the privilege of having him in my life, so how can I be sad?”
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