Former Wales centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 after a long illness.
Watkins, who won 18 caps for Wales between 2003 and 2006, retired in 2011 and was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013.
Wales, who play England in the Six Nations on Saturday afternoon, expressed sadness at his passing, with the Welsh Rugby Union confirming that their squad will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
We are deeply saddened by the news that former Wales international Matthew J Watkins has passed away.
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 7, 2020
The squad will today wear black armbands to show their respects. All our thoughts are with MJ's family and friends.
Cysga'n dawel MJ#RIPMJ pic.twitter.com/S9iSskyvvQ
One of his former clubs, Dragons, paid tribute to Watkins in a statement on their website which read: "Everyone at Dragons Rugby is deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Matthew J Watkins.
"Matthew will be missed by so many and our sincere condolences go out to Matthew's wife Stacey, his sons Sior and Tal, family and friends."
Former dual-code Wales international Jonathan Davies paid tribute to Watkins on social media.
RIP Matthew. What a lovely guy who took on cancer with courage and always had a smile on his face. @Velindre. Lived life to the full and was always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. #Putsthingsintoperspective pic.twitter.com/h60LTrvCZD
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) March 7, 2020
Davies wrote on Twitter: "RIP Matthew. What a lovely guy who took on cancer with courage and always had a smile on his face. Lived life to the full and was always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends."
Gutted to hear the passing of Mj this morning thoughts are with his family class player and one of rugby's great characters #gonetosoon #ripmate
— Dan Lydiate (@dan_lydiate) March 7, 2020
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate wrote on Twitter: "Gutted to hear the passing of Mj this morning thoughts are with his family class player and one of rugby's great characters #gonetosoon #ripmate."
The Scarlets family are deeply saddened by the news that our former player Matthew Watkins has passed away at the age of 41.
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) March 7, 2020
Mae teulu'r Scarlets yn drist iawn gan y newyddion bod ein cyn chwaraewr Matthew Watkins wedi marw yn 41 oed.https://t.co/pCkuYfvBHR pic.twitter.com/xQU7iDt6We
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