22-05-2025
‘Deeply saddened' – Munster Rugby mourning untimely death of former staff member and ex-player's wife
MUNSTER Rugby are mourning the death of former staff member Michelle Payne who has passed away from cancer.
She was also the wife of ex-player and later team manager Shaun Payne.
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Michelle Payne has tragically died from breast cancer
Credit: @MUNSTERRUGBY
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Cape Town native Shaun Payne played for the Reds on 109 occasions between 2003-2008
A club statement read: "Munster Rugby are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michelle Payne, a former Munster staff member and wife of former team manager & player Shaun Payne, after a two-year battle against breast cancer.
"Our immediate thoughts are with Shaun, their children Dylan and Amy & the wider Payne family.
"May she rest in peace."
Among the replies to the
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Dylan Payne commented: "Thank you Munster. So many good memories."
There were other heartfelt tributes from those who knew her during her time at the club.
Former player Barry Murphy added: "Rest in Peace, Michelle. Such a beautiful person."
Supporter Michelle Tobin also expressed her sympathy while relaying a nice memory from the club's trip to South Africa in 2018.
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She wrote: "Gutted to hear the news.
"She was a special part of the trip to South Africa for the Munster games in 2018, such a big heart and a genuinely lovely person.
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"Sincere sympathies to Shaun, Dylan and Amy."
Similarly Carly Justin contributed: "Such heartbreaking news, we were lucky to meet the family down in SA in 2018 and Michelle was so friendly & welcoming.
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"My thoughts are with her family & friends at this difficult time."
Finally,
She posted: "Such heartbreaking news. What a lady.
"I will always remember her gorgeous smile. RIP. Love to Shaun, Dylan & Amy."
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