GIANT of Welsh rugby David Watkins has died at the age of 81.

Newport RFC confirmed the death of their former captain, Team Manager, Chairman and President, who they described as "one of the greatest players the club has ever produced".

There will be a minute’s silence before tonight’s game as Watkins' former club start their Premiership campaign against Pontypool RFC.

Watkins, known by many as “Dai”, won the Welsh Championship in his first season at Newport, in 1961, and played in the famous victory against New Zealand in 1963.

Watkins’ Newport were the only team to conquer the All Blacks in their 1963 tour and the club earned the Freedom of the City of Newport on the fiftieth anniversary of the win.

Watkins captained the club between 1964 and 1968 and also led the Welsh national team and the British Lions.

 

In 1967, Watkins took his talents to rugby league outfit Salford, for whom he made more than 400 appearances.

He earned 16 caps for Wales and played six tests for Great Britain.

Watkins became Newport Team Manager in 1992 and went on to serve as club Chairman and later President.

He was awarded an MBE in 1986 and inducted into the Newport RFC and Men’s Rugby League Hall of Fame.