ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Mar 19, 2020

Funeral of former Wales centre will be streamed online for safety reasons

The funeral of former Wales rugby player Matthew J Watkins is to be streamed online because of the coronavirus pandemic.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watkins, who won 18 caps for Wales between 2003 and 2006, died earlier this month at the age of 41 after being diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013.

The former Dragons, Gloucester and Scarlets centre’s funeral will take place on March 31 and a large gathering had been expected at Thornhill Crematorium in Cardiff.

But Blackwood’s Woodfield Park Funeral Directors said in a statement on their website:

“During these uncertain times we ask that only family and close friends attend Matthew’s funeral service. This may be subject to change and further restrictions pending government advice.

“This is simply to help protect the family and staff that will be in attendance.

“The funeral service will be streamed online for anyone wishing to see from the safety of their own home – details of how to view the service will be posted.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Watkins, a hugely popular figure in Welsh rugby, made more than 300 club appearances in a 14-year senior career before he retired in 2011.

He left his wife Stacey and sons Sior and Tal.

RELATED: NZ Rugby Union in lockdown over Corona virus

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 88 WEEKS AGO

    Argentina lead Australia after scrappy first...

  • 88 WEEKS AGO

    Foster stages assault on World Rugby headquarters...

  • 88 WEEKS AGO

    Kurt-Lee Arendse sent off



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Five of the best tries from the Investec Champions Cup

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban following elbow attack

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face France in thrilling encounter

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal stuns fans

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he gets too close to the action

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    George Ford falls victim to the kickers curse

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

View All

Amateur

  • 66 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 66 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    TJ Perenara equals record as Hurricanes continue perfect season

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Mitch Drummond pays tribute to the Mo'unga family in emotional interview

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Julian Savea rolls back the years with 'bus' style finish

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Saracens announce double retirement as club heads into rebuilding era

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban following elbow attack

View All