Inquest reveals sad details about Batley Bulldogs player Archie Bruce’s death

An inquest has heard the details surrounding the sad passing of 20-year-old Batley Bulldogs Archie Bruce in 2019.

In a tragic event, Archie passed away following his club debut against Toulouse Olympique in August 2019, found to have died in his hotel room.

Over four years on and the inquest regarding his sad passing is being held and it’s been revealed that Archie had more than double the “toxic” level of tramadol in his body, as reported by the BBC.

The inquest is being held at Bradford Coroner’s Court and the evidence was provided by Dr Faisal Ali who talked the inquest through the toxicology report taken.

It was revealed by Dr Ali that a “very high concentration” of tramadol was found in Archie’s body as well as alcohol, cocaine and another painkiller.

At post-mortem asphyxiation was ruled as the cause of death.

Who was Archie Bruce?

The news of Archie’s incredibly sad passing broke in 2019 the day after his debut for Batley Bulldogs in the south of France against Toulouse.

Archie had been recruited by Batley on a trial basis after impressing for a local amateur side Dewsbury Moor and was given minutes from the bench in the 46-0 defeat.

A statement from 2019 by club chairman Kevin Nicholas said: “Batley Bulldogs are greatly saddened to announce the passing of their player Archie Bruce who was found in his hotel bedroom early this morning having made his debut against Toulouse the previous evening.

“Batley Bulldogs, the RFL and the RFL Benevolent Fund will be supporting the family while enquiries by the French authorities continue, with the squad delaying their return to the UK.

“The Bruce family have requested privacy during this most difficult of times.”

Five years on and this inquest has been heard to try and reveal what happened to Archie.

Per the BBC, Archie’s family said his debut marked “the culmination of his short life’s dream”.

The inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court is set to continue.

All those at Serious About Rugby League would like to offer Archie’s friends, family, and loved ones our thoughts throughout this process.