Cardigan RFC has been left devastated following the tragic death of junior player Louis Cramp, who passed away at the age of 14 after a battle with bone cancer. The club paid tribute to the teenager, describing him as a beloved member of their rugby family.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Louis was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2024 after fracturing his leg in a trampoline accident, which led doctors to discover a lesion on his femur. He underwent months of chemotherapy and major surgery, including having an implant placed in his leg on New Year's Eve 2024.
Despite initial hope, a fractured arm in September 2025 revealed another tumour, and earlier this year, doctors found multiple lesions on his chest. Louis passed away shortly after celebrating his 14th birthday earlier this month.
Club's Tribute
Cardigan RFC released a statement on Sunday expressing their sorrow. "It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Louis Hess Cramp this morning," the club said. "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."
The club offered condolences to Louis's family, friends, teammates, and coaches, and urged members to support each other during the difficult time. "We are one club, one family, and we will get through this together. Rest in peace, Louis. You will never be forgotten."
Community Support
The community rallied around Louis's family after his diagnosis. His young teammates shaved their heads in solidarity before he started chemotherapy. A fundraising campaign raised over £20,000 to help the family visit Australia, where Louis was born before moving to west Wales.
Louis's mother, Sherrelle, earlier spoke to WalesOnline about the support. "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."
She added, "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."
Sherrelle also shared her son's resilient spirit: "Louis doesn't want us to be sad. I have had the privilege of having him in my life, so how can I be sad?"
