Matthew Watkins had faced Aurélien Rougerie with Wales - DAMIEN MEYER / AFP

The Fallen Llanelli club announced on Saturday the disappearance of Mathew Watkins at 41, after a long fight against cancer. International to Wales 18 times between 2003 and 2006, Watkins was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2013, two years after his retirement from sport.

Very sad to hear this. My sincerest and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Had the pleasure of his company on and off the field on a few occasions. A wonderful person. God bless https://t.co/YLEgd8h83w

- Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) March 7, 2020

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of former Welsh international Matthew J. Watkins," the Welsh federation reacted on its Twitter account. The team will wear black armbands today to show their respect. "

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

Wales faces England at 5:45 pm on behalf of the penultimate day of the VI Nations tournament. Watkins had 42 tries in 150 games with the Scarlets between 2002 and 2008.

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