Former Wales captain and rugby broadcaster Eddie Butler passes away at 65
Following his retirement from the game Eddie Butler became a respected rugby broadcaster
Former Wales skipper Eddie Butler has passed away at at the age of 65 on Thursday.
Eddie, who studied Spanish and French at Fitzwilliam College and represented Cambridge University between 1976 and 1978 passed away during his sleep and was on a trip to Peru for a charity trek.
He is survived by six children and his wife, Susan.
Born in Newport, Eddie played most of his professional rugby career with Pontypool between 1976 and 1990. He also captained them between 1992 and 1995.
He went on to make his Wales debut in 1980 against France and featured in 16 Tests. He also went on to captain the side on six occasions before retiring from international rugby in 1985.
Eddie was also called up to the British and Irish Lions squad for their 1983 tour of New Zealand.
Having worked as a teacher and taking a profession with a property development company, Butler started his newspaper journalism career with the Sunday Correspondent in 1988. He became a broadcaster and mainly worked with BBC Wales.
"He proudly represented his country as a player, was a mainstay in press boxes around the world long after he retired from the game and has been prolific in the way in which he has served Welsh rugby in both the written and spoken word over decades," said Welsh Rugby Union chairman Rob Butcher.
"Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, who we also know well and cherish, and his close friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.
"He was a unique individual and the game in Wales owes him a debt of gratitude for his contributions both on and off the pitch."
