Former Wales Hooker Mike Watkins Dies at 73

Welsh rugby is mourning the loss of former international hooker Mike Watkins, who has died at the age of seventy-three. Known affectionately as Spikey for his fierce competitive spirit, Watkins was born in the village of Abercarn in south Wales. His rugby journey began at Crumlin RFC, a community club where his determination and physical style of play first caught attention. Those early performances laid the groundwork for a career defined by perseverance, leadership, and deep loyalty to the game.

Watkins moved to Cardiff in 1976, taking on the challenge of a higher level of competition. His time with the capital club proved significant, as he played one hundred eighteen games over five seasons and firmly established himself as one of the region’s most respected forwards. In 1981, he transferred to Newport, where he became an even more influential figure. Across six years with the Black and Ambers, he made two hundred twenty nine appearances before retiring from club rugby in 1987.

A Relentless Competitor and Respected Teammate

The Dragons paid tribute to Watkins by calling him a true Man of Gwent and a player who exemplified toughness on the field and warmth off it. They described him as uncompromising during matches but hugely popular in everyday life. Those who played alongside him remember a dependable teammate who carried himself with quiet authority and an unwavering commitment to the sport.

Watkins’ shift from Crumlin to Cardiff marked the moment he began attracting national interest. He was selected for Wales’ 1978 tour of Australia, a significant honour, yet did not appear in the Test matches. His chance to wear the Welsh jersey would take much longer than expected, through no fault of his own. During the late 1970s, Wales had one of the strongest hookers in world rugby, Bobby Windsor of Pontypool. Windsor’s dominance in the position meant Watkins spent years as understudy.

The Long Wait for a National Cap

In an era when substitutes were used only for injuries, Watkins found himself named on the bench for Wales seventeen times without taking the field. Although frustrating, he continued to contribute through Wales B selections and dedicated himself to improving his craft. Off the pitch, he worked as a truck driver, often juggling long hours on the road with the demands of amateur rugby. His discipline during those years reflected a deep passion for the sport and a belief that his opportunity would eventually come.

That moment finally arrived in 1984 when he was thirty two. Wales were struggling after the departure of several iconic players from the celebrated teams of the 1970s. The national selectors turned to Watkins for stability and leadership. His performances as captain of Newport, combined with leading Wales B to their first ever win in France, made him an ideal candidate for the senior side.

Leading Wales to Memorable Victories

Watkins made his long awaited Test debut against Ireland in the Five Nations Championship in February 1984. Remarkably, he was not only selected but handed the captaincy. Wales defeated Ireland eighteen nine in Dublin, an emotional milestone for Watkins after years of waiting on the fringes of international rugby.

He also played in the loss to France that followed, with Eddie Butler taking the captain’s armband for that match. In March, Watkins regained the captaincy and led Wales to a twenty four fifteen victory over England at Twickenham. That win remains one of the standout performances of that tournament, with Wales finishing third as Scotland completed a Grand Slam campaign.

Watkins’ international career was short but impactful. He earned four caps in total, the last of which came during the visit of a powerful Australia side later in 1984. That Wallabies team achieved victories against all four home nations, making Watkins’ final appearance one of the most challenging fixtures of his career. He also represented the Barbarians twice, a sign of the respect he commanded from the wider rugby community.

Retirement Marked by Principle

At the end of 1984, Watkins made the difficult decision to retire from international rugby. He and several teammates, including Eddie Butler, Graham Price and Gareth Davies, stepped back in protest over what they viewed as inconsistent and confusing selection policies within Welsh rugby. Their collective departure highlighted deep frustrations at a time when the national side struggled to rebuild.

Watkins leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, dedication, and integrity. His story is one of patience rewarded, leadership under pressure, and unwavering commitment to Welsh rugby. He will be remembered not only for his on-field achievements but also for the character he displayed throughout his long career.