Former Wales centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 after a long illness.
Watkins, who won 18 caps, retired in 2011 and revealed in 2013 he had a rare form of pelvic cancer.
He leaves his wife Stacey and sons Siôr and Tal.
Tributes have poured in.
Very sad news on Matthew J Watkins after a brave cancer battle. Wales players to wear black armbands today at Twickenham as a mark of respect. https://t.co/2VIvhT0rqq
— Alex Terrell (@alxterrell) March 7, 2020
The Scarlets family are deeply saddened by the news that our former player Matthew Watkins has passed away at the age of 41.
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) March 7, 2020
Mae teulu’r Scarlets yn drist iawn gan y newyddion bod ein cyn chwaraewr Matthew Watkins wedi marw yn 41 oed.https://t.co/pCkuYfvBHR pic.twitter.com/xQU7iDt6We
Rest peacefully MJ 😞
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) March 7, 2020
Do him proud at Twickenham today lads @WelshRugbyUnion 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🏴
RIP MJ Watkins ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gGzjuxlPQ5
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) March 7, 2020
Rest in peace MJ. Awful news, brilliant character that made everyone laugh when in his company. Topman x
— Morgan Stoddart (@MorganStoddart) March 7, 2020
RIP Matthew. What a lovely guy who took on cancer with courage and always had a smile on his face. @Velindre. Lived life to the full and was always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. #Putsthingsintoperspective pic.twitter.com/h60LTrvCZD
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) March 7, 2020
