Former Wales centre Matthew J Watkins dies aged 41
Former Wales centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 after a long illness.
Watkins, who won 18 caps for Wales between 2003 and 2006, retired in 2011 and was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013.
Everyone at @dragonsrugby is deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Matthew J Watkins.
MJ was a hugely popular with everyone @rodneyparade and will be missed by so many #RIP
▶️ https://t.co/u7S7l3EApapic.twitter.com/tUPNr6aa9r
— Dragons 🏉 (@dragonsrugby) March 7, 2020
One of his former clubs, Dragons, paid tribute to Watkins in a statement on their website which read: "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 Sior and Tal, family and friends."
Former dual-code Wales international Jonathan Davies paid tribute to Watkins on social media.
RIP Matthew. 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. #Putsthingsintoperspectivepic.twitter.com/h60LTrvCZD
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) March 7, 2020
Davies wrote on Twitter: "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."
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate wrote on Twitter: "Gutted to hear the passing of Mj this morning thoughts are with his family class player and one of rugby's great characters #gonetosoon #ripmate."
