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Wales rugby and broadcasting legend Eddie Butler has died

15 Sep 2022 7 minute read
Eddie Butler at the Third National March for Welsh Independence 7 September 2019, Merthyr. Picture by Llywelyn2000 (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Former Wales captain and rugby commentator Eddie Butler has died aged 65, with tributes lamenting the loss of an “iconic” sporting voice.

The 16-cap Wales number eight died in his sleep on a charity trek on the Inca Trail in Peru.

The popular BBC commentator rose to prominence with Pontypool in the 1970s, representing Wales between 1980 and 1984, and his voiceover montages were an integral part of the Six Nations for many years.

His period as a rugby commentator coincided with Wales’ run at successive Grand Slams, meaning that some of the greatest moments in Wales’ rugby history will forever be replayed overlaid with his dulcet tones.

 

He was also a keen advocate for Welsh independence, speaking at YesCymru’s march in Merthyr Tydfil in 2019.

Butler toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1983, before forging a highly respected career as a commentator and broadcaster.

Butler represented Cambridge University from 1976 to 1978 while studying French and Spanish at Fitzwilliam College.

The imposing back-row forward made his Wales debut in the 18-9 win over France in January 1980.

After rugby Butler enjoyed a short stint as a teacher, then with a property development company before finding another niche in broadcasting.

Butler moved on from spells with national newspapers to excel for the BBC in commentary on rugby, but also adding colour to major sporting events, notably Olympic coverage.

Former Wales captain and rugby commentator Eddie Butler, who has died aged 65. Picture by PA

Charity Prostate Cymru, for whom Butler served as an ambassador, also shared the news.

“The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler,” read a statement.

“Eddie was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.

“Over the last week Eddie once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

“In the early hours of Thursday, September 15, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes.

“He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children, who are very much in our thoughts.

“The charity will not be making any immediate further comment. We also ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this difficult time.”

‘Giant’

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Rob Butcher insisted his country owed Butler a sizeable debt for his contribution to the sport.

“For many Eddie was the voice of Welsh rugby and he will be sorely missed by supporters around the globe as well as his friends throughout the game and here at the WRU,” said Butcher.

“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.

“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 on the game in Wales owes him a debt of gratitude for his contributions both on and off the pitch.”

The BBC director general Tim Davie also paid tribute to a “wonderful wordsmith” who voiced some of rugby’s most vital moments.

“Everyone at BBC Sport is shocked and saddened by this very sad news,” said Davie.

“Eddie was a brilliantly gifted commentator, writer and reporter whose passion for the game of rugby union shone through every broadcast.

“A wonderful wordsmith with a rich, iconic voice, he provided the definitive soundtrack to some of the greatest moments in rugby’s history.

“He will be much missed by all of us, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Former England hooker Brian Moore paid tribute to his friend and BBC colleague on social media.

“I am devastated by this news,” Moore tweeted.

“Ed, I’m sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. Well, it wasn’t like that between us, was it.

“Condolences to Sue and your family. Sport has lost an iconic voice.

“I have lost a very dear friend. Goodbye Edward.”

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford was also among the first to express his condolences.

“Extremely sad to hear of Eddie’s passing,” he said. “Eddie was an incredible player and a supremely talented broadcaster. Wales will miss him terribly.”

Broadcaster Huw Edwards said: “Such a loss to his family, to his many friends, and to his country. Gŵr bonheddig.”

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: “Eddie Butler was the most special man – a voice whose lyricism and humanity resonated across the nation, the generations, the world.

“We have lost one of the greats. Thinking of Eddie’s family and the many others who loved him. Come October 1st Eddie Mawr we’ll march for you.”

Senedd Member Delyth Jewell said: “Nos da, Eddie. What dreadfully sad news. I had the enormous privilege of sharing a platform with Eddie Butler at the Merthyr independence rally in 2019.

“A gentle giant whose eloquence inspired so many people. His voice will be missed – he will be missed. Colled mawr ar ei ôl.”

YesCymru said: “With great sadness that we hear of the passing of Eddie Butler – former Wales rugby captain, journalist, broadcaster and supporter of independence for Wales – a true legend.

“Our thoughts are with his family.”

Dragons Rugby Chairman David Buttress said: “Terribly sad news, a lovely , bright and hugely knowledgeable man. My thoughts, love and deep condolences to all his family and friends.

“Rugby has lost a great person, who not only became the voice of rugby, but was also respected and much liked by all who knew him. So very sad.”

Irish Rugby said: “Everyone in Irish Rugby is saddened by the news of the death of Eddie Butler. Former WRU captain, legendary broadcaster and always a welcome presence in AVIVA Stadium.

“Our thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

London Welsh RFC said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Eddie. Butler Eddie was a great friend to the club and our thoughts are with the Butler family, especially with our squad member Jacob Butler. A legend and an absolute gentleman Eddie, you will be very sadly missed.”


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Leigh Richards
Leigh Richards
2 years ago

Terrible news. All of us in the Welsh indy movement will mourn eddie’s passing 😢

Richard Edwards
Richard Edwards
2 years ago

Trist Iawn. 🥲

An example of measured understanding of where his nation is going and that those who are from its border areas can be fully involved in its future. His clarity of thought; mastery of expression and word reflected our traditions and a brighter future ……

Ymlaen at y dyfodol

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
2 years ago

Pretty shocked at this news. Eddie Butler besides being a great Wales player in his time and a top commentator with a sharp rugby brain was also active in the Welsh Independence movement. It’s a huge loss to both. Condolences to his family. Sad day. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿😔.

Last edited 2 years ago by Y Cymro
Owain Morgan
Owain Morgan
2 years ago

I didn’t know Eddie Butler, but to me he had become the voice of Welsh Rugby ever since his famous phrase was delivered in 2005. “To put the seal on the win. To put the cream on the Grand Slam cake.” He was an articulate and highly intelligent Journalist and Broadcaster. His outspoken support for independence was what pushed me from being a Federalist to a Nationalist. IMHO he was a future President of Cymru. Forget Elizabeth Hanover! Eddie Butler is the person I will be mourning this week. R.I.P. Eddie Butler. A true son of Cymru ☹️😥😢

Leigh Richards
Leigh Richards
2 years ago

I trust the Welsh rugby union will be cancelling all rugby in wales this weekend as a mark of respect to our former captain

Fi yn unig
Fi yn unig
2 years ago

I am truly stunned by this awful news and I concur with the observations and tributes paid to him here. I will miss his commentary on Six Nations games in the same way as I missed that of Bill McLaren. Much loved voices possibly taken for granted until you realise you’ll never hear them again. Devastating. Condolences to all family and friends of the great man.

George
George
2 years ago

This is terribly sad news. Welsh football might be coming on strong but Welsh rugby also part of our identity and his voice was the soundtrack to that sport for as long as I can remember.

Condolences to his family and loved ones.

Paul Hoskins
Paul Hoskins
2 years ago

A complete shock and truly devastating news. So sad, and he will be missed so much.

Gareth
Gareth
2 years ago

R.I.P Eddie Butler, and condolences to family and friends. This is a shock, and he will be missed. Diolch Eddie o’r galon.

WilliamsG
WilliamsG
2 years ago

Very very sad – he will be very much missed

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