Former Wales captain and cult legend Mike 'Spikey' Watkins dies

FORMER Wales captain Mike ‘Spikey’ Watkins has died at the age of 73, writes Ben James.

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Mike Watkins playing for Newport in 1983. Inset, with his wife Maew in Bangkok

(Huw Evans Picture Agency)

The former Cardiff and Newport hooker won four caps for his country in 1984, having had to wait until the age of 32 to make his Test debut against Ireland. All four of his long-awaited caps were, remarkably, as captain.

Watkins passed away in Bangkok, where he had been living for around two decades. It's understood he had recently suffered a bad fall that had required surgery.

Confirming the news, the Dragons paid tribute, writing on social media: “Everyone at Dragons RFC is deeply saddened by the passing of Mike ‘Spike’ Watkins. A true Man of Gwent, who played for Newport REC, Crumlin and Monmouthshire, and captained Wales on his debut.

“Uncompromising and a leader on the field, a hugely popular character off it.”

Watkins had played rugby from a young age in the Newport area, playing for the likes of Cwmcarn Youth, Gwent Schools and South Monmouthshire Schools.

After two years with Crumlin, Watkins joined Cardiff. He would go on to play 118 games for the club between 1976 and 1981.