Former Wales rugby captain dies after 'serious fall' as tributes pour in for 'true Man of Gwent'

Dragons RFC confirmed the news, expressing deep sadness at losing someone they described as "a true Man of Gwent".

The club remembered Watkins as an "uncompromising" presence and leader on the pitch, whilst being a "hugely popular character" away from it.

The Abercarn-born hooker earned his nickname through his fierce competitive spirit during a distinguished career spanning three decades.

Watkins built his reputation through 118 appearances for Cardiff between 1976 and 1981, before making 229 more for Newport until retiring in 1987.

His international breakthrough finally arrived in 1984, when, aged 32, he was given the captaincy for his Wales debut against Ireland in Dublin.

Wales secured an 18-9 victory that day, with Watkins becoming only the fourth Welshman to captain on debut.

He retained the armband for a memorable 24-15 triumph at Twickenham against England the following month.

All four of his international appearances came as skipper, including matches against France and Australia, before his Test career concluded that November.

His path to international rugby proved extraordinarily frustrating, as he spent years as understudy to Pontypool's Bobby Windsor during the 1970s.

Despite being selected for the 1978 Australian tour and earning multiple Wales B caps, Watkins watched from the sidelines through 17 Test matches without taking the field.

Newport coach Charlie Faulkner became his strongest advocate, constantly encouraging him despite the lengthy wait.

"Charlie wouldn't let me give up hope," Watkins recalled in 2020, explaining how Faulkner advised him to conceal his true age from selectors.

His international career ended abruptly when he joined several teammates in retiring from Wales duty in late 1984, protesting what they viewed as confused selection policies.

Former Newport full-back Phil Steele led the tributes on social media, describing Watkins as "the best captain I ever played under".

Steele called him "a lionhearted player and great character", adding he was "the type of bloke I thought would live forever".

Following retirement, Watkins coached Pontypridd, Rumney and Newbridge before relocating to Thailand approximately two decades ago.

There he met his wife, Maew, a schoolteacher, and worked in public relations.

His greatest disappointment remained missing out on selection for the 1980 Lions tour to South Africa, later discovering that coach RH Williams had blocked his inclusion following a misunderstanding during a Wales B trip to France.

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