TRIBUTES TO RUGBY STAR WATKINS
THE rugby community came together to pay tribute to former Wales star Matthew J Watkins yesterday, as one of his sons bravely led an under-13s side out flanked by a guard of honour.
News of Watkins’ untimely death at the age of 41 was announced on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of condolences.
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 it was revealed it had spread to his head.
As rugby greats led tributes to the player, his son Tal led his Oakdale under-13s teammates out onto the field in Ystrad Mynach in the Dragons Cup semi-final, facing Cwmbran.
Matthew’s brother-in-law and Oakdale coach Shane Langley said after the game: “It was for J they played today, and it showed.
“He’s been so much a big part of their lives since they were little, they respect him more than anything. They gave it all for him.
“It was nice to be there with his sons as well and his nephew. He had a good send-off.”
It was the latest tribute to the centre. Wales wore black armbands in his honour for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against England.
In recent years Watkins had helped raise thousands of pounds with fundraising events for Welsh Cancer Centre Velindre, where he was receiving treatment.
Husband to wife Stacey and father to sons SiÔr and Tal, Watkins was capped 18 times for Wales between 2003 and 2006 and was a hugely popular player during his time at Newport RFC, Llanelli, Gloucester and the 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 the news that our former player Matthew Watkins has passed away at the age of 41. ‘MJ’ played 150 matches in a Scarlets jersey between 2002 and 2008, scoring 42 tries, including one against Ulster at Stradey Park that helped the Scarlets clinch the 200304 Celtic League title.
“He is fondly remembered as a silky skilled, creative midfielder, who was hugely popular among our supporters, the playing squad and staff at Stradey. The thoughts of everyone at Scarlets Rugby are with Matthew’s wife Stacey, his sons SiÔr and Tal, family and friends at this sad time.” A Dragons statement 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.”