Tribute to rugby player whose 'love for the game touched so many' after cancer battle

Tribute to rugby player whose 'love for the game touched so many' after cancer battle A Welsh rugby club has paid a heartbreaking tribute to one of its young players after the death of 14-year-old Louis Cramp. A Welsh rugby club has paid tribute to a young player whose "love for the game touched so many" after he died following a battle with cancer. Louis Cramp had been part of Cardigan RFC since the age of seven and celebrated his birthday earlier this month. The 14-year-old had been battling osteosarcoma after doctors discovered a lesion on his femur following a trampoline accident in October 2024. Louis underwent months of chemotherapy and major surgery, including receiving a leg implant on New Year's Eve 2024. Although there were signs of hope during his treatment, further tumours were later discovered in his arm and chest. The rugby player has now passed away, with Cardigan RFC saying the youngster "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?”