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Thursday Sep 15, 2022

Rugby great Eddie Butler sadly passes away

The broadcasting and former rugby legend Eddie Butler has sadly passed away at the age of 65. He died in his sleep on a charity trek in Puru.

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Butler was in recent times known for his work with the BBC, as the lead rugby commentator for the station. His was the moving voice for many of the BBC’s poignant sporting and political montages over the years, and incidentally had his final one marking the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

He was a fantastic player in his time, establishing himself through club side Pontypool, before going on to play for and eventually captain his national side, Wales. A talented number eight, Butler also went on tour with the British and Irish Lions back in 1983 over in New Zealand.

Following his retirement from rugby, Butler went on to become a newspaper journalist with the Sunday Correspondent in 1988. From here he went on to work for both the Observer and the Guardian, before returning to BBC Wales in 1990.

Many fans will remember his brilliant commentating partnerships with the likes of Brian Moore and Jonathan Davies, bringing us some of the most fantastic matches over the past couple of decades.

A hugely talented man in every discipline of his life, his voice and heart alike will have touched those around the world.

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Colleagues and fans have been spreading their tributes to the great man:

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