Mike ‘Spikey’ Watkins: Rugby Legend Passes Away in Bangkok at Age 73
- The rugby community has been thrown into mourning as Mike 'Spikey' Watkins dies at the age of 73 in Bangkok, Thailand
- The former Wales national team captain reportedly experienced a severe fall that needed surgical treatment before his death
- The news about Spikey's death comes with loads of condolence messages from social media users online
The rugby world is in mourning following the passing of former Wales national team captain Mike 'Spikey' Watkins, who passed away at 73.
Source: Getty Images
The former Cardiff and Newport hooker made his international debut at 32, playing against Ireland in 1984. This was largely thanks to Bobby Windsor, the Pontypool icon who served as Wales' preferred hooker between 1973 and 1979 and earned five British and Irish Lions caps across two tours. Impressively, he went on to earn four caps for his country, and all of them came with him leading the team as captain.
In 1976, he joined Cardiff, representing the city club in 118 matches until 1981. He then transferred to Newport, where he added 229 appearances for the Black and Ambers before retiring from rugby in 1987.
Watkins passed away in Bangkok, Thailand, where he had resided for nearly 20 years. Reports indicate he had recently experienced a severe fall that necessitated surgical treatment.
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Spikey's death came just days after that of South African flanker Sive Tshaka and former rugby referee Max Baise, who passed away at the age of 93.
Watkins dies at 73
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand released an official statement on their Facebook account to announce the passing of Watkins.
"It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mr. Michael John ‘Spikey’ Watkins. On behalf of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues," the statement reads.
"Mike was a Marketing Manager at RSM Recruitment - Thailand, a valued BCCT Member, and was widely respected for the same professionalism and strong commitment to his work as he showed playing rugby for Wales, Cardiff, and Newport. He will be fondly remembered by many across our network."
The post by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand gathered condolence messages from rugby fans on social media.
Source: Facebook
Jimlim Karatnoot Roocroft wrote:
"Such very shocking news! I wish I could attend his funeral, but I’m not in BKK. I am there in spirit. I hope he will rest in peace. He is a legend and a wonderful human being. He will be remembered forever."
Jenny E Lee shared:
"So so sad xx I'll miss our Birthday messages in January (as we're a day apart), our Condolences to Maew, and all his family, in Thailand & Wales. RIP Spike. Jen & Ade Lee xx"
Tony McNally said:
"R.I.P. Spikey. Great man."
Killian Jones reacted:
"Omg, rest in peace Spikey. Such a charismatic person and full of life."
Rhonda Worgan commented:
"Such a sad loss to lose a great man 🌹RIP Spikey xx Trevor and Rhonda Worgan x"
Damien Dallimore added:
"RIP Mate 🙏 Always remember him from Molly Malones/Irish XChange on Soi Convent. So gregarious, always had a great yarn. Top bloke."
Rugby legend dies after cardiac arrest
Briefly News also reported that a rugby legend passed away at the age of 68, a few days after suffering cardiac arrest.
The rugby icon was unable to recover despite medical efforts to revive him after the cardiac arrest incident.
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Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
