It is with great sadness that we learned of the news that World Rugby Sevens Operations Manager Beth Coalter passed away peacefully yesterday following a short illness.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the news that World Rugby Sevens Operations Manager Beth Coalter passed away peacefully yesterday following a short illness.

Beth was a much-loved and highly-valued member of the World Rugby team. Always a beacon of warmth and positivity, Beth's passion and professionalism during 10 years with the international federation was a major driving force behind rugby sevens successful campaign for Olympic Games inclusion and the growth and ongoing success of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Beth will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of working with her during her time on the global rugby sevens circuit, both with World Rugby and with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, where she began her career in rugby and was much-loved and respected.

As a mark of respect from the global rugby family, the World Rugby match officials will be wearing black armbands for the Rugby World Cup 2015 semi-finals at Twickenham this weekend.

The thoughts and prayers of the global rugby family are with Beth's family at this very difficult time.