David Watkins

David Watkins

David Watkins was born in Blaina on 5 March 1942 and educated at Glanyrafon Secondary School before working as a finance representative. After games for Blaina, Abertillery, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale he joined Newport and became renowned as an archetypal, dashing Welsh fly-half. He captained Newport for four seasons between 1964 and 1967 and, amongst other exploits, scored 55 drop goals in 206 appearances. He played 21 times for Wales between 1963 and 1967 and was captain in his final three internationals. In 1966 he toured Australasia with the British Isles and played in 21 games, including all six tests. He was captain in the 2nd and 4th tests against New Zealand. He played for the Barbarians against Australia in 1967 but later that year signed for Salford RLC where over the course of the next 11 years he made 468 appearances as well as playing six tests for Great Britain and captained Wales in 16 of his 19 matches. On his return to Wales he became chairman of Newport RFC and, later, its president.