Natalie Harrowell dead aged 29: England international rugby league star passes away
ENGLAND international rugby league forward Natalie Harrowell has died, aged 29.
Harrowell, who played for Featherstone and helped them to the 2017 Grand Final, won the club’s Woman of Steel award this season.
She worked in a development role at Wakefield Trinity, encouraging more girls to get involved in playing rugby league.
Featherstone confirmed the news of Harrowell’s passing in a statement online.
It read: “Featherstone Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Natalie Harrowell, a key member of the club’s Women’s team.
“Natalie, 29, was one of the longest-serving players in the team, and a leader both on and off the field, winning the club’s Woman of Steel award in 2019.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Natalie’s young daughter Olivia and the rest of her family at this sad time.”
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Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “This is tragic news. I know all involved in rugby league will join me in sending their deepest sympathy to Natalie’s family, friends and team-mates.
“She was part of a group of players who made history when Featherstone played Bradford in the first Women’s Super League Grand Final in 2017.
“And the three England caps she earned during an era of huge progress for women’s rugby league are an indication of the respect in which she was held by team-mates and opponents alike.”