Rugby stars pay tribute after Welsh international Matthew J Watkins dies aged 41 after long battle against cancer
- Former Wales centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 after illness
- Watkins, who won 18 caps for Wales, was diagnosed with pelvic cancer in 2013
- Tributes have flooded in across social media from former clubs and team mates
Rugby stars have paid tribute to the Welsh international Matthew J Watkins after he died aged 41 following a long battle against cancer.
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.
In 2018, he discovered the cancer had spread to his spine and in January this year revealed it had spread to his head.
He leaves his wife Stacey and sons Siôr and Tal.
Ex-Wales centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 after a long battle with cancer
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.’
Rugby pundit Jonathan Davies paid tribute to Watkins on social media.
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.’
He leaves his wife Stacey and sons Siôr and Tal. He was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013
Watkins won 18 caps for Wales and was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013
Tributes have flooded in after the news, with rugby pundit Jonathan Davies taking to Twitter to show his support
Watkins graduated to Dragons via the Newbridge, Pontllanfraith and Newport clubs.
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 2 stints and was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2018.’