A service in celebration of the life of David (Dai’) Watkins
On Tuesday 19th of September Risca Male Choir had the great honour and privilege of being invited to participate at the funeral of one of the great legends of the rugby world, David Watkins MBE affectionately known as ‘Dai’.
David Watkins’ funeral took place at St Basil’s Church, Bassaleg. As expected, St Basil’s was full to bursting and provisions were made to relay the service to the nearby church hall.
Dai Watkins was no stranger to our choir, indeed some members of could call him a friend. David Watkins was a ‘Blaina Boy’ who was to become known throughout the rugby world in both codes, union and league.
The congregation included many greats of Welsh rugby, to name just a few, Gareth Edwards, Jonathan Davies, Steve Fenwick, Stuart Watkins, Tommy David, the list could go on.
The processional music, World in Union was sung by the choir, the soloist being our own award winning baritone, Andrew Jenkins: a fitting start to the service of celebration of Dai’s life.
Hymns, prayers and readings were followed by the Eulogy given by Eddie Hemmings, Sky rugby league presenter.
The choir then sang the spiritual, Where shall I be. This was followed by a moving rendition of a poem entitled A Poem for Bampy read by Dai’s grandson, Ben. A very personal tribute from Nick and Toria, Dai’s son and daughter ended this part of the service.
The celebration concluded with a commendation and the great Welsh hymn Guide me thou great redeemer.
Dai’s coffin left the church to the recessional music, another Welsh hymn tune, Calon Lân sung by the choir.
The highly respected Stephen Jones, leading rugby correspondent of the Sunday Times, described Dai Watkins as “Brilliant but modest, David Watkins was the best I’ve ever seen play rugby, he was a dual- code player of Wales and Great Britain and a Salford rugby league legend making 400 appearances.”
David Watkins record of scoring in 92 consecutive rugby league matches remains unbroken and in 1972-73 he scored a still unmatched 221 goals.
David Watkins captained the Lions at rugby union and Great Britain at rugby league. He won 21 caps for Wales, 6 for the British and Irish Lions on tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1966. He captained Wales on three occasions and the Lions twice. David Watkins made 16 appearances for Wales and 6 for Great Britain In rugby league.
Gerald Davies the current president of the WRU who played three times for Wales under the captaincy of David Watkins described David Watkins as a legend in both codes of rugby “…a player that people wanted to buy a ticket to go and see “
We should not forget Dai played for Newport, and was a part of the team which famously beat the touring All Blacks in 1963.
David Watkins, Dai as he was affectionately known, is recognised as one of the greatest Welshman to have ever pulled on a rugby shirt.
The choir was very proud of the part it played in the service of celebration for Dai Watkins’ life, one of Wales’ greatest sons.
A few reactions from choristers who took part in the celebration of Dai Watkins’ life, posted on our Communications page 19/09/23
“I felt honoured to play my part at David Watkins’ funeral today. Growing up in Blaina, he was my sporting hero and we were always immensely proud of him, and particularly to be able to say he was a Blaina Boy. Well done to Andrew (baritone) and his wonderful solo, he would have been heard in heaven. Rest in peace dear David.”
“It was a privilege to be a major part of the funeral celebrations of David Watkins today, as a rugby supporter myself, I think he was up there with the best. John Williams and I were the only two choir members back at Rodney Parade still in our blazers and greys and the feedback from the likes of Gareth Edwards, Dai Morris, Stuart Watkins, Tommy David, Steve Fenwick, Arthur Hughes, Eddie Hemmings (Sky Rugby League Presenter) was nothing but high praise. Also David’s wife Jane, personally came up to us and thanked us and felt the entrance of World in Union will remain in her thoughts for ever.”
“It always seems a funny thing to say one has enjoyed a funeral. But it was a privilege to be there to send off an iconic rugby player in both codes – I was very proud of RMC’s contribution. From college in Portsmouth I travelled up twice with fellow Welsh mates to Wembley to support Dai Watkins and Salford at the rugby league cup final. As union men in Hampshire we would probably have been banned from playing if the top dogs in union knew! If you played league on a Sunday you were A.N Other, else you were out!! Many memories came flooding back today.”
Dai Watkins with friends, John Williams, RMC bass (left) & Phil Sargeant, RMC 2nd tenor (right)
Article written by Cliff Edwards – 2nd Tenor
Cliff was a rugby player for many years as part of the squad at Usk Rugby Football Club before turning to refereeing after an injury ended his playing career.
He served as a Welsh Rugby Union referee for 25 years, an occupation for which he became well known. Latterly, he became an advisor for younger referees seeking to take up the job, in which capacity he still serves. Alongside his interest in rugby and sport in general, he has always been a keen singer and has been with RMC since 1991.
