Mike Watkins: Welsh rugby hooker and two-time Wales captain dies aged 73

Mike Watkins, known as 'Spikey' for his combative style, has died at 73. The Abercarn-born forward represented Wales, Cardiff, and Newport, earning four Wales caps and twice captaining his country.

Watkins began his rugby journey with Crumlin RFC before moving to Cardiff in 1976, where he appeared in 118 games for the capital club through 1981. He then joined Newport, turning out 229 times for the Black and Ambers until his retirement in 1987.

Nicknamed 'Spikey' for his relentless approach, Watkins faced stiff competition for the number two jersey, notably from Bobby Windsor, who was Wales' first-choice hooker during the 1970s. Despite warming the bench on 17 occasions, Watkins showed leadership at every opportunity and also represented Wales B during the era.

His international debut came in 1984, at age 32, amid a period of transition for Welsh rugby after a wave of retirements. Following success with Newport under coach Charlie Faulkner, and leading Wales B to a historic win in France, Watkins was selected for the Five Nations match away to Ireland and wore the captaincy on his debut, guiding Wales to an 18-9 victory. He captained again in the final round against England, a 24-15 win at Twickenham, as Wales finished third overall.

Watkins earned two caps in 1984, with his final Test coming against Australia later that year. He later toured with the Barbarians and, in a stand that reflected broader discontent with Wales' selection policies at the time, retired from international rugby at the end of 1984 alongside teammates such as Eddie Butler and Gareth Davies. In later life, Watkins emigrated to Thailand, working in PR and building a life with his wife Maew, a schoolteacher.

Key Takeaways

• Watkins' leadership helped Wales navigate a challenging era in the mid-1980s.
• His career bridged club loyalties in Cardiff and Newport, with significant influence on Welsh rugby culture.
• Late international call-ups demonstrated his perseverance and resilience as a top-level hooker.

Expert Comment

Expert comment: Rugby analyst Sam Davies notes that Watkins demonstrated essential leadership on the field during a transitional period for Wales, setting an example for younger players. "His presence in the pack provided stability and inspired teammates during a difficult era," Davies adds.

Summary

Mike Watkins, 'Spikey,' emerged from Abercarn to become a respected figure in Welsh rugby, captaining Wales on two occasions and leaving a lasting impact at Cardiff and Newport. His perseverance through limited opportunities and his late-career captaincy highlighted a unique career arc. Off the field, he pursued work in trucking and later moved to Thailand, where he built a life with his wife Maew.

Key insight: Watkins' leadership and perseverance exemplified Welsh rugby's ability to grow talent from within and guide a national team through a difficult era. BBC Sport