RUGBY ACE DIES AT 41
Tributes flood in after ex-international Watkins loses cancer battle:
FORMER Wales rugby international Matthew J Watkins has died aged 41 after being diagnosed with cancer seven years ago. He was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013. In 2018, he discovered the cancer had spread to his spine and in January this year revealed it had spread to his head.
He had originally put the soreness in his back down to the hip injury which had led to his retirement from the game me in 2011, but was referred for an MRI scan which identified the cancer in May 2013.
In recent years he has helped raise thousands ands of pounds with fundraising events for Welsh Cancer Centre Velindre, where he was receiving treatment.
Husband band to wife Stacey and father to sons SiÔr and Tal, Watkins was capped d 18 times for Wales between 2003 and 2006 and was a hugely popular player during his time at Newport RFC, Llanelli, Gloucester and Dragons.
He was part of the Wales team that pulled off a historic win over Australia under Mike Ruddock.
After playing youth rugby with Newbridge and Pontllanfraith, he was a regular figure for Newport RFC for five years between 1997 and 2002, making 118 appearances before joining Llanelli. He then went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Scarlets and also played for Gloucester before signing for the Dragons in 2009.
Watkins, from Oakdale, near Blackwood, retired in 2011.
A statement from the Scarlets said: “The Scarlets family are deeply saddened by y the news that our former player Matthew W Watkins has passed away at the age of 41. ‘MJ’ played 150 matches in a Scarl Scarlets jersey between 2002 and 2008, scoring 42 tries, including one against a Ulster at Stradey Park that helped h the Scarlets clinch the 2003-04 Celtic League title.
“He is fondly remembered r as a silky skilled, creati creative midfielder, who was hugely popular popula among our supporters, the playing squad and staff at Stradey. The thoughts thoug of everyone at Scarlets Rugby Rugb are with Matthew’s wif wife Stacey, his sons SiÔr and an Tal, family and frien friends at this sad time.” A Dragons statemment said: “Everyone at Dragons Rugby is deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Matthew J Watkins at the age of 41. 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.”
And the Ospreys, where Watkins briefly coached, added: “Everyone at the Ospreys is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Matthew J Watkins. Matthew briefly joined the Ospreys academy coaching system back in 2013 and was a close friend to lots of players and staff at the region. Our thoughts go out to all his friends and family.”
Gloucester Rugby said: “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 said: “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. We send all our thoughts and love to Matthew’s family and friends.”
Welsh rugby legend Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies, president of Velindre, said: “What a lovely guy who took on cancer with courage and always had a smile on his face. @Velindre.
“Lived life to the full and was always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends.”
Watkins’ team-mate Ian Gough said: “Heartbreaking news this morning about a legend of a bloke that has lost his long fight with a horrible disease. As long as I live will the absolute character that was MJ be in my memories. Nos dda mate”.
Former Wales and Scarlets back Morgan Stoddart said: “Awful news, brilliant character that made everyone laugh when in his company. Top man x”.
Wales and Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate said: “Gutted to hear the passing of MJ this morning, thoughts are with his family, class player and one of rugby’s great characters”.
Welsh referee Nigel Owens said: “My sincerest and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Had the pleasure of his company on and off the field on a few occasions. A wonderful person. God bless.”