By Paul Jones
David Watkins has been the subject of glowing tributes throughout Welsh rugby after the death of one of rugby’s cross-code greats at the age of 81.
Blaina-born Watkins, known affectionately as “Dai”, played rugby union for Newport and was part of the team which famously beat the touring All Blacks in 1963.
He also won 21 caps for Wales and captained the British Lions before making a shock switch to rugby league with Salford in 1967 having resisted interest from St Helens as an 18-year-old.
On social media, Newport RFC said: “We are extremely saddened to hear that David ‘Dai’ Watkins, one of the greatest players the club has ever produced, has passed away.”
The British and Irish Lions wrote: “A true legend of both codes.
“David ‘Dai’ Watkins, who played for the Lions 21 times on our 1966 Tour of Australia and New Zealand and captained the side, has passed away.
“He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with all his family and friends. Rest in peace David.”
The Legends of my youth & @SalfordDevils are slowly falling.
League Express report that the greatest player of my lifetime to pull on the Red jersey, David Watkins, has passed.
The man was a truly mercurial Rugby player for Newport RU, Wales RU, British Lions & Salford RLFC 💔 pic.twitter.com/ZIQFNWdAVV— Roy Ellaby (@elan4872) September 3, 2023
A statement from Salford read: “Salford Red Devils are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of club icon, David Watkins, one of the very greatest to represent our club, and to ever play our game.
“All our thoughts go out to David’s family and friends at this truly difficult time.”
The Rugby Football League described Watkins as “one of the best cross-code converts from Wales”.
A statement from the Wales Rugby Football League read: “Everyone at Wales Rugby League was sad to hear about the passing of David Watkins MBE, one of our greatest ever players. He was aged 81.
“Dai, as he was affectionately known as, is recognised as one of the greatest Welshmen to have ever pulled on a rugby shirt.”
RIP David Watkins MBE
Everyone at Wales Rugby League is sad to hear about the passing of our international legend Dai Watkins, who died at home earlier today.
Our condolences go out to his friends and family. Ein cydymdeimlad. #RIP
More/Mwy:https://t.co/weRIO1cRka pic.twitter.com/Ouh1QPYb6X
— Wales Rugby League (@WalesRugbyL) September 3, 2023
Watkins played a key role in Salford’s golden era, making more than 400 appearances and scoring almost 3,000 points as they were crowned champions twice in three seasons during the 1970s.
He kicked a world record 221 goals during the 1972-73 season and his feat of scoring in 92 consecutive matches for the club remains unbeaten.
His club form once again earned him recognition at international level with both Wales and Great Britain, who he represented on the Lions tour to Australia in 1974.
Watkins, who coached Britain at the 1977 World Cup final and later took charge of Wales, also had brief spells with Swinton and Cardiff Blue Dragons.
He moved into media work following his retirement in 1982, and was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby league four years later.
Watkins was elevated to the Wales Rugby League hall of fame in 2018 and admitted to the RFL’s equivalent during last year’s World Cup.
He became Newport team manager in 1992 and went on to serve as club chairman and later president.
a minute of applause for David Watkins, whose death has just been announced @NewportRFC v @PontypoolRFC @IndigoPrem @gtfm_radio @GTFMSPORT pic.twitter.com/AKF7NTyHoh
— Ioan Dyer (@Ioan_Dyer) September 3, 2023