David Watkins

5ft 6in and 10st. 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.