David Watkins (Welsh rugby player)
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David Watkins (March 5, 1942, Blaina, Monmouthshire) was a rugby player from 1967 to 1983.
5 ft 6 in high and wirghing in at 10 st. Throughout his career, he :
- Joined Newport RFC in 1961/2 from Cwmcelyn Youth but played odd game for Ebbw Vale and Pontypool while still a youth. Wales Youth International.
- Newport debut vs Penarth 2nd Sept 1961. Played for Barbarians in first season (1962) and Newport won Welsh Championship.
- Key figure in Newport's epic win over Whineray's 1963 All Blacks setting up position for Uzzell's drop goal and kicked penalty to draw with Australia in 1966.
- Vice Capt under Brian Price in 1963/4 and captained Newport for 3 seasons 1964/5, 1965/6 and 1966/7.
- Also captain in 1967/8 when he went north.
- Set club dropped goal record of 14 in 1966/7.
- In all he scored 228 pts including 55 dropped goals for Newport.
- Made debut age 20 for Wales vs England in 1963 partnering Clive Rowlands.
- Played 21 times for Wales (including Triple Crown 1964/5) and was captain three times in 1967.
- Led Lions in 2 tests in Australia in 1966. Superb judgement in 1967 vs England (Jarrett debut).
- Superb 7's player and never played on losing side for Newport.
- In Oct 1967 he joined Salford RL for £15,000, then club record.
- Record points holder and steered them to RL Championship in 1974 and Challenge Cup Final in 1976 and played ( 6 times vs NZ, Aust and France), captained and coached GB and Wales RL.
- Only player to have captained GB at Union and League.
- Cliff Morgan was best man at his wedding on Feb 9th 1963.
- Appointed Newport Team Manager in 1992/3 and later Chairman. MBE.