DOCUMENTARY: David “Dai” Watkins rugby legend dies aged 81
David Watkins, who played rugby union and rugby league for Wales as well as for each sport's British and Irish Lions teams, has died at the age of 81.
I was fortunate enough to meet Dai back in 2011, when I was making a documentary on his life in rugby. He was such a nice man and really helpful to our team, allowing us great access to film in his home and at Newport Gwent Dragons home of Rodney Parade. You can watch the documentary we made here
Live and Let Dai. David Watkins. A Life In Rugby Documentary
BBC News
“Watkins rose to prominence in Wales after joining Newport RFC in 1961, helping them famously beat New Zealand 3-0 in 1963, the year in which he made his Wales debut.”
In our documentary, David Watkins takes us from his earliest rugby days in rugby union with Newport, Wales and the British and Irish Lions to his decision to move north to rugby league with Salford, a decision that resulted in him being shunned by the rugby union community. The only player to ever captain the British and Irish Lions in Rugby Union and Great Britain in Rugby League. A canny, darting fly-half from the mining community of Blaina in north Gwent, Watkins used his sport to expand his horizons and make his name known and respected worldwide. Film by Jonny Lewis, Chris Potter and Neil Cairns
If you enjoyed this film, be sure to check out my post production work for America’s longest running rugby TV show MLR Weekly presented by Rugby Wrap Up. You can watch a selection of episodes here
“one of the greatest players the club has ever produced”
“A true legend of both codes. ”
“one of the best cross-code converts from Wales”
“One of the very greatest to represent our club, and to ever play our game.”