The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Welsh rugby centre Matthew J Watkins, 41
Former Wales rugby union centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 after a long fight with cancer.
Mr Watkins, who won 18 caps, retired in 2011 and revealed in 2013 he had a rare form of pelvic cancer.
He passed away on Saturday and is survived by his wife Stacey and sons Siôr and Tal.
The Welsh Rugby Union, Dragons, Scarlets and Gloucester were among those paying tribute to a player who fundraised for cancer charities after his playing career ended.
Mr Watkins graduated to the Dragons through spells at the Newbridge, Pontllanfraith and Newport clubs.
In a statement, Dragons said: “Everyone at Dragons Rugby is deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Matthew J Watkins.
“Matthew will be missed by so many and our sincere condolences go out to Matthew’s wife Stacey, his sons Siôr and Tal, family and friends.
“The thoughts of everyone at Dragons Rugby are with them all at this very sad time.”
A Scarlets statement said: “He is fondly remembered as a silkyskilled, creative midfielder, who was a hugely popular figure among our
“A man who battled so bravely and admirably. GLOUCESTER RUGBY
supporters, the playing squad and staff at Stradey.”
Gloucester tweeted: “Everybody at Gloucester Rugby are saddened to hear the news that our former player, Matthew J Watkins, has passed away at the age of 41. A man who battled so bravely and admirably.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Matthew’s family and friends.”
Newport RFC tweeted: “We are all extremely saddened to learn of the passing of ex-b&a and Wales international, Matthew J Watkins.
“Matthew played 131 times for the club in two stints and was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2018.”
Current Wales fly-half Dan Biggar paid tribute after the 33-30 Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham on Saturday. “We’re all thinking of Matthew’s family,” said Biggar.
“This is a game of rugby at the end of the day and if we can offer any support and anything that they need all they’ve got to do is pick the phone up.”
Fellow Wales international Jonathan Davies tweeted: “RIP Matthew. What a lovely guy who took on cancer with courage and always had a smile on his face. Lived life to the full and was always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends.”