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David Watkins, who performed for Wales at rugby union and rugby league in addition to for every sport’s British and Irish Lions groups, has died on the age of 81.
He gained 21 Wales union caps from 1963-67 and 16 extra at league, including six every for the Lions within the 15-a-side sport and their league counterparts.
Watkins starred at stand-off in each codes.
The Rugby Soccer League stated Watkins would “be remembered as among the finest cross-code converts from Wales”.
The governing physique added: “He turned a key determine in a golden period for the Salford membership, making greater than 400 appearances for the Pink Devils, and scoring nearly 3,000 factors as they have been topped champions twice within the house of three seasons within the mid-Seventies.”
Wales Rugby League stated: “Dai, as he was affectionately recognized, is recognised as one of many biggest Welshmen to have ever pulled on a rugby shirt.”
On social media, Newport RFC stated: “We’re extraordinarily saddened to listen to that David “Dai” Watkins, one of many biggest gamers the membership has ever produced, has handed away.”
Watkins rose to prominence in Wales after becoming a member of Newport RFC in 1961, serving to them famously beat New Zealand 3-0 in 1963.
In 1967, when shifting to the skilled ranks of rugby league at Salford for £16,000, Watkins was barred from taking part in union.
He went on to provide mesmerising performances for Salford, Wales and Nice Britain earlier than shifting into teaching.
Watkins guided GB to the 1977 World Cup last, through which they misplaced narrowly to Australia and went on to educate Wales, assist discovered Cardiff Blue Dragons league staff.
He returned to union as Newport staff supervisor in 1992 earlier than changing into chairman, the president.
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