A fitting tribute to Newport and Rodney Parade legend David ‘Dai’ Watkins was unveiled ahead of our BKT United Ruby Championship fixture with Zebre Parma.
Tributes poured in for one of rugby's cross-code greats following the death of David Watkins at the age of 81 in September last year.
Blaina-born Watkins, known affectionately as "Dai", played rugby union for Newport and was part of the team which famously beat the touring All Blacks in 1963. H
e also won 21 caps for Wales and captained the British & Irish Lions before making a switch to rugby league with Salford in 1967.
Watkins played a key role in Salford's golden era, making more than 400 appearances and scoring almost 3,000 points as they were crowned champions twice in three seasons during the 1970s.
Watkins remains a legendary figure in Newport sport and his career and impact have now been immortalised with the opening of the revamped Dai Watkins Lounge at Rodney Parade.
Members of Dai’s family along with representatives from Newport RFC and Dragons RFC joined us ahead of the Zebre fixture for a special opening of the new-look room that features new tributes to Dai on the walls.
David Watts, Commercial Executive at Dragons RFC, said: “It was our honour to welcome members of Dai’s family and his friends, plus those from his previous clubs, to join us to unveil the new-look room.
”Dai’s impact on Newport sport and rugby across two codes is legendary and so it is fantastic that his career is now showcased with new images and graphics that adorn the walls of the lounge.
“We hope supporters and visitors to Rodney Parade enjoy visiting the new-look Dai Watkins Lounge and take time to remember a special man whose legacy lives on.”
Dai’s impact on Newport sport and rugby across two codes is legendary and so it is fantastic that his career is now showcased with new images and graphics that adorn the walls of the lounge...
