Man who lived life to the full’
A video featuring visual memories of Matthew was played to the congregation to the accompaniment of Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, while the service concluded with Frank Sinatra’s My Way.
The service was conducted by funeral celebrant Wyn Davies, who read out poems from the family and delivered eulogies to the former Newport, Llanelli, Scarlets, Dragons and Gloucester centre, who went on to be a coach and players’ agent after hanging up his boots.
Davies said: “He lived and loved life to the full. What he packed into that life was so valuable and so important. So many good times, good memories and achievements. More than most see in two lifetimes.
“Matthew was a hard, uncompromising player who was totally committed.
“He fulfilled his boyhood dream of playing for Wales, but never changed. “He was admired by everyone. “It’s what you leave in people’s hearts and memories that really matters. Matthew was a truly fantastic human being, a special man. His was a life lived to the full.”
Watkins, who hailed from Pontllanfraith, was married to his childhood sweetheart Stacey, with the couple having two sons.
The plan had been for the mass congregation to sing Bread of Heaven at the funeral, but, with numbers restricted, that will now be saved for the memorial service later this year.
Fellow Welsh international Alix Popham had called on the rugby community to celebrate the life of his former Newport and Scarlets teammate by watching the funeral online.
He urged those following the service to wear a club tie, jersey or pin badge to show what Matthew meant to them and to post a photo of themselves doing so online.
Former Wales and Lions stars Phil Bennett and Mike Phillips were among those to do just that, with Bennett delivering his own personal tribute.
“Matthew was an excellent rugby player and, above all, a lovely man,” said the Llanelli legend.
“There was a modesty and humility about him and a concern for others. I spoke to him a while back and, despite his illness, he did his best to be positive. His love for his family shone through and it was quite inspiring and a privilege to talk to him.”