An international rugby star has died at the age of just 25.
Polina Krakowska’s cause of death has not been made public.
The former Black Roses Poznan player and member of the Polish national rugby team.
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She reportedly died in Poznań, Poland, where she lived with her family.
Born in Ukraine, Krakowska later gained Polish citizenship and became a key figure in women’s rugby in Poznań.
She played several seasons for Black Roses Poznan during what are remembered as some of the most successful years in the club’s women’s section.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches, and friends, as reported by Need To Know.
Coach Makina said, “These were the heydays of our women’s section.
“Pola was a very promising player, being called up to the Polish national team.
“In 2017, she played in, among other events, the European Under-18 Championships and the Olympic Hopes Tournament.
“She retired from rugby in the 2019/2020 season, but remained in Poznań, where she lived with her entire family.”
A friend added, “Her warmth, openness, and unconditional willingness to help were absolutely exceptional.
“Our colleague, and for many, a friend and soulmate, leaves behind a void, but also many important memories that we will cherish.”
Krakowska represented Poland at major youth tournaments in 2017, including the European Under-18 Championships and the Olympic Hopes Tournament.
That same year, she played in Poland’s first-ever women’s 15-a-side rugby match, held in Ruda Śląska during the Polish-Irish Festival, facing Ireland’s Arklow RFC Amazons.
Although she retired from competitive rugby in the 2019/2020 season, Krakowska remained active in sport, training in martial arts and representing the Gracie Barra Poznań Academy.
Away from athletics, she built a professional career in healthcare, earning a master’s degree in physiotherapy from the Poznań University of Education and Therapy, and running her own orthopaedic and neurological physiotherapy and massage practice.
Polina Krakowska’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday (19 Dec).
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