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Wales international Elli Norkett dies in car crash

Elli Norkett
Image: Wales international Elli Norkett passed away on Saturday night after being involved in a car accident (Family Photo)

Wales rugby union international Elli Norkett has died in a car crash.

The 20-year old was involved in an accident on the A4109 on Saturday night.

She was driving a Toyota Yaris which was involved in an accident with a silver Vauxhall Insignia.

"In 2013 she was the youngest player in the Rugby World Cup and had gained four Welsh senior caps at the age of 17," a statement from the Norkett family read.

"Elli also represented Wales at Sevens and was selected for the Great Britain Students Sevens.

"On the club front she was proud to represent Swansea Ladies and the Ospreys. At Cardiff Met she played in two BUCS finals at Twickenham and wanted to pursue a career in coaching the game she loved.

"Elli was loved and valued by many and has touched the hearts of all her family and friends due to her kind nature and endearing personality.

"The family wish to be allowed to grieve in peace at this extremely distressing time."

In a statement, the Ospreys said the club were "deeply saddened" by Norkett's death.

"A proud Osprey, rugby was her life and she was immensely proud to represent Swansea Ladies, Ospreys Women, Wales Women and Wales Sevens, as well as Cardiff Met University and Great Britain Students Sevens," it read.

"At just 20 years old, she had her whole life in front of her. Not only was she a talented rugby player she was a good human being, probably the most important thing about her.

"As an Ospreys in the Community coach, who as recently as last week was working with us as part of the team leading our half-term kids camps at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, she was also a role model to the next generation, an inspiration to boys and girls of all ages who enjoyed being instructed by an Osprey and a Welsh international.

"Her greatest legacy will be in those youngsters who continue to enjoy the game of rugby having been fortunate enough to be coached by her on one of our camps.

"The thoughts of everybody at Ospreys Rugby are with the family and friends of Elli at this sad time."

A spokesman for the Welsh Rugby Union said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Elli Norkett.

"A talented, dedicated player and popular team-mate, Elli was a treasured member of the Welsh rugby family. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."

Police are continuing their investigation.

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