It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mike Watkins has passed away at the age of 73.
He made his Cardiff RFC debut against an Italian-based rugby side, L’Aquila Rugby 1936, where he scored. Prior to this, he represented several Youth and School teams around Newport, spending two seasons with Crumlin RFC before joining Cardiff.
He joined the Cardiff Arms Park side in 1975 and gained his first Welsh Trial in 1977. During the 1970s, he was selected several times for Wales B and didn’t receive his first full cap until 1984.
When playing for Newport, his Welsh debut came against Ireland when he captained the side, a position he would continue to hold in his other three international appearances.
During his six seasons with Cardiff RFC, he played 118 times and also represented the Barbarians, Crawshays Welsh XV, and Monmouthshire.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
We send our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends at this time.