Eddie Butler

Butler died peacefully in his sleep while taking part in a charity trek to Machu Picchu.

[Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. I have lost a very dear friend. He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children, who are very much in our thoughts. Sport has lost an iconic voice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism “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.” “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. [Brian Moore](/topic/brian-moore) and the ex-Wales fly-half [Jonathan Davies](/topic/jonathan-davies). The broadcaster was a regular part of the BBC’s coverage of rugby internationals and his resounding voice and stirring tones made him a much-loved figure.

Eddie Butler, the former Wales rugby captain and well-known commentator, has died at the age of 65, BBC Scrum V have announced.

Kenny and I send all our love to Sue and the family." Love and thoughts to Sue and the family." A wonderful rugby player, he became a superb commentator and a fine man." "Eddie Butler was a true commentary great - the recognisable voice of the sport to millions and unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic," Beaumont wrote. "Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. "Absolutely devastated to hear the news," Quinnell wrote.

Former Wales Rugby Union captain and legendary sports broadcaster Eddie Butler has died at the age of 65. | ITV News Wales.

He said: "Stunned at the news and passing of Eddie Butler. World Rugby said on Twitter: "We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of broadcasting great, Eddie Butler." Former Wales international player and captain Sam Warburton paid tribute to Eddie on Twitter.

The much-loved former Wales rugby union captain and broadcaster died this morning (Thursday) in South America where he was taking part in a fundraising trek for ...

She said: "Eddie was a wonderful broadcaster, the kindest man and such great company. "Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity," Prostate Cymru said. He leaves behind his wife Susan, and six children, who are very much in our thoughts."

The world of rugby is in mourning this Thursday following the sad death of former Wales Rugby Union captain and legendary commentator Eddie Butler at the ...

For so many of us he was the voice of Welsh rugby." "Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. "Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. A former @WelshRugbyUnion captain and a legendary broadcaster, Eddie will be greatly missed." Butler died in his sleep during a charity trek in Peru in aid of Prostate Cymru, for whom he was an ambassador. Butler played 16 times for Wales between 1980 and 1984, captaining the side on six occasions.

Eddie Butler, the iconic former Pontypool and Wales rugby player who went on to become a renowned commentator in rugby union, has died in Peru at the age of ...

Former Wales and British Lions scrum half Mike Phillips added: "Shocking news about the great Eddie Butler. [Wales](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/wales-rugby-union-team) between 1980 and 1984, captaining the side on six occasions and scoring two tries. Butler had also played for Cambridge University from 1976-1978 while studying French and Spanish at Fitzwilliam College. But it was post-playing career where he arguably became an iconic figure in the sport. He would regularly produce voiceovers on footage which formed an integral part of BBC coverage. And news of his death has already prompted widespread tributes from rugby personnel.

Former Wales captain and rugby commentator Eddie Butler has died aged 65, the BBC has announced.

Thoughts are with the family. Thoughts with his family and friends.” [Mike Phillips](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mike-phillips/) posted: “Shocking news about the great Eddie Butler. Chairman of World Rugby Bill Beaumont said: “Eddie Butler was a true commentary great – the recognisable voice of the sport to millions and unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic. A privilege to have played and co-commentated with his voice. He will be much missed by all of us and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” A former Welsh Rugby Union captain and a legendary broadcaster, Eddie will be greatly missed.” An iconic voice of the game after his years playing it. Eddie Butler was a true commentary great – the recognisable voice of the sport to millions & unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic. Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. “Eddie was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. Current BBC Director-General Tim Davie said of Butler: “Everyone at BBC Sport is shocked and saddened by this very sad news.

Eddie Butler, former Wales captain and legendary rugby commentator, has died in his sleep while on a charity walk for prostate cancer in Peru. Butler, 65,

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.” Fellow rugby commentator Andrew Cotter said he was: “Still in shock” after hearing the news. The last of his 16 caps was against Australia at the same venue in 1984. Ed, I’m sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. His first cap for Wales was against France in Cardiff in 1980. His final game in university colours came playing for a past and present Cambridge side against Japan.

Former Wales rugby union captain and legendary broadcaster Eddie Butler has died aged 65. The 16-cap Wales number eight, who captained the side on six ...

Former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont tweeted: "Eddie Butler was a true commentary great - the recognisable voice of the sport to millions & unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic. "Eddie was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. The popular commentator rose to prominence with Pontypool in the 1970s, before representing Wales between 1980 and 1984.

Butler was a much-loved commentator following on from a distinguished career as a Welsh rugby player and then a journalist.

"Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. "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.” A privilege to have played and co-commentated with his voice. Eddie Butler was a true commentary great - the recognisable voice of the sport to millions & unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic. Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. Love and thoughts to Sue and the family.— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) “The world of rugby and broadcasting has lost one of its greats today. A statement from Prostate Cymru read: "Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. Eddie’s voice will be synonymous with so many great sporting memories, and it really is difficult to imagine these future moments in the world of rugby without him. He was genuinely one of the nicest, clever and funny rugby guys I’d ever had the Privelage to meet, his turn of phrase— Austin Healey (@IamAustinHealey) "He had had the ability to coin the right phrase at the right time, a commentator’s gift. "But he avoided the trap of bias in commentary.

Butler's commentator-summariser combination with Brian Moore made rugby union a compelling watch, particularly when Wales faced England in the Six Nations.

He had also been a teacher and a newspaper journalist, giving a cutting and even scurrilous edge to his ghosting of Austin Healey’s column for The Guardian on the Lions tour of 2001. As Moore remarked prior to the kick that Henson had disclosed in the media he shaved his legs to reduce drag on place kicks, Butler celebrated accordingly. Shave away, Gavin, shave away!” It was a fixture that had given Butler a win, a draw and a loss during his 16 Test caps, six of them as skipper. In 2005, when Gavin Henson thumped a magnificent winning penalty for Wales against England, Butler had already made a reference to the inside centre’s penchant for shaving his legs. Then he joined the BBC as an assistant producer and was quickly told he didn’t have the voice to be a presenter. And anyway, as Butler once put it on a filmed stroll round the spectacularly picturesque Pontypool Park: “I remember playing against [fly-half] Phil Bennett, nobody laid a finger on him all day.

Butler, who later worked as a much respected commentator on the sport, passed away during the early hours of this morning (Thursday) in Peru. He was taking part ...

"Eddie's ability to capture the audience's imagination with his instantly recognisable voice and charisma was unparalleled. "Condolences to Sue and your family. His last marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. He became the BBC's lead commentator after McLaren's retirement and formed entertaining partnerships with the likes of Jonathan Davies and Brian Moore. He rose to prominence in Ray Prosser's Pontypool side that took the Welsh club scene by storm throughout the late 1970s and early 80s. Ed, I'm sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. A statement released by Prostate Cymru hailed the ex-international rugby player turned pundit as the "voice of Wales". "Over the last week, Ed 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. He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children who are very much in our thoughts. Butler, who later worked as a much respected commentator on the sport, passed away during the early hours of this morning (Thursday) in Peru. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.

The journalist, who was also a former Wales rugby union captain, was in Peru for a charity trek when he died in his sleep. Announcing the news, a statement from ...

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.’ Former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont also highlighted Butler’s talents and tweeted: ‘Eddie Butler was a true commentary great – the recognisable voice of the sport to millions & unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic. Their statement said: ‘Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. ‘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. A spokesperson for the Welsh Rugby Union tweeted a tribute for their former team captain, and wrote: ‘We are devastated to hear of Eddie’s passing and everyone in Welsh rugby sends their sincerest condolences to Eddie’s family and loved ones.’ The journalist, who was also a former Wales rugby union captain, was in Peru for a charity trek when he died in his sleep.

Former Wales captain-turned-commentator mourned by BBC colleague Brian Moore: “I have lost a very dear friend."

“I have known Eddie since he was a gangly 18 year old star player at University. “Eddie was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. A privilege to have played and co-commentated with his voice. “What an amazing contribution to rugby and broadcasting. “Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Eddie Butler,” he said. “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.”

Former Wales rugby union captain and legendary broadcaster and commentator Eddie Butler has died at the age of 65.

Eddie's voice will be synonymous with so many great sporting memories, and it really is difficult to imagine these future moments in the world of rugby without him. "I speak for all my colleagues at BBC Wales when I say that we'll miss him so much. Director BBC Cymru Wales Rhuanedd Richards said: "The world of rugby and broadcasting has lost one of its greats today. He will be much missed by all of us and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time." "Eddie was a brilliantly gifted commentator, writer and reporter whose passion for the game of rugby union shone through every broadcast. "He understood his audience, he understood Wales and he understood our passion for the game.

Eddie Butler's broadcasting colleagues led the tributes following the former Wales rugby captain's death aged 65. BBC stalwart Butler died in his sleep on ...

“Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and BBC colleagues.” Thinking of Eddie’s family and the many others who loved him. “We have lost one of the greats. My thoughts are with Sue and all the children.” I have lost a very dear friend.

Your rugby morning headlines for Friday, September 15. Owens 'shocked and saddened'. Former Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens has spoken of his shock and ...

In particular, the local authority have not yet provided the club a General Safety Certificate to allow matches to be played at Sixways Stadium. This includes evidence that the local authority has issued a General Safety Certificate, and written confirmation of medical provision.” Despite his demanding schedule, Eddie always made time for Pontypool RFC and he will be forever remembered for supporting the club during its darkest hour in 2012, when the club’s very existence was under threat. As the BBC rugby lead commentator, Eddie epitomised the passion of the Welsh rugby public and became renowned as one of the most recognisable broadcasters in world sport. They are due to host Exeter Chiefs this weekend, though the game is shrouded in significant doubt. It proved to be a disastrous error. "We offer our sincerest condolences to Eddie’s wife, Susan, his children and friends. There are other people out there who know Eddie better than I do and were closer to him but it really is a very sad day." "Eddie also enjoyed a highly decorated international career, having represented Wales sixteen times between 1980 and 1984, six of which were as captain. He had that ability to listen and respect you. He also had that ability of not shying away from asking the difficult questions. You could just sit and listen to him.

Eddie Butler (standing centre in photograph) went on to become the 11th Pontypool RFC player to play for the British Lions. Picture: Torfaen Museum. Following ...

“Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. The charity Prostate Cymru - for which Butler was an ambassador - confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday while on a fundraising trek in Peru. The number eight rose to prominence with Pontypool in the 1970s, and represented Wales on 16 occasions between 1980 and 1984.

Eddie Butler's broadcasting colleagues led the tributes following the former Wales rugby captain's death aged 65. BBC stalwart Butler died in his sleep on ...

“Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and BBC colleagues.” Thinking of Eddie’s family and the many others who loved him. What an amazing contribution to rugby and broadcasting. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) “Thoughts with his family. “We have lost one of the greats. My thoughts are with Sue and all the children.” I have lost a very dear friend. Sport has lost an iconic voice. “Well, it wasn’t like that between us, was it. He retired from international rugby in 1985 aged 27.

Welsh rugby icon Eddie Butler passed away while on a charity trek in Peru and police and prosecutors have launched an investigation into his death.

"Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. Former commentary partner and ex-England hooker Brian Moore paid a heartfelt tribute to Butler on social media. He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children who are very much in our thoughts." Butler's body was discovered inside his tent on Thursday morning at a campsite near the town and Inca archeological site of Ollantaytambo close to Cuzco. The prosecutor in charge of the ongoing investigation has been named locally as Hugo Jara Palomino. Local papers published pictures of locals carrying his body away on a stretcher.

BBC commentator Butler, a former Wales captain, died on Thursday during a trek in Peru.

And, in the end, like a lot of these things, he came through and was recognised for the great, great talent he was. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) My thoughts are with Sue and all the children.” “Totally devastated with the news about Eddie,” he posted. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. (I’m) just devastated, especially for him to die at that age and on that sort of charity trip,” Moore told BBC Radio Five Live. He retired from international rugby in 1985 aged 27. I had immense respect for him.” By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism [Gabby Logan](/topic/gabby-logan), who fronts the BBC’s Six Nations coverage, added: “Eddie was a wonderful broadcaster, the kindest man and such great company. He returned to BBC Wales in 1990 after launching a newspaper journalism career with the Sunday Correspondent, followed by stints with the Observer and the Guardian.

On Thursday evening the tragic news broke that revered commentator and former Wales rugby captain Eddie Butler had died suddenly.

It was a piece that would make waves around our country ahead of the Six Nations - a poem about Wales, its people and what rugby means. On Thursday evening the tragic news broke that revered commentator and former Wales rugby captain Eddie Butler had died suddenly. His voice in commentary has carried through to the younger generations, and the examples shown here are testament to the man's unrivalled ability behind a microphone. His incredible voice is synonymous with the Six Nations, it's a voice that even the casual rugby fan will be familiar with - and that voice has been responsible for some truly memorable moments. "A Land roughly the size of Wales" Since then, as a way of tribute, rugby fans have been watching and sharing some of his most iconic moments behind the microphone.

Butler, a former Wales captain, died on Thursday during a trek in Peru which had been organised to raise money for prostate cancer research. Former England ...

And, in the end, like a lot of these things, he came through and was recognised for the great, great talent he was. My thoughts are with Sue and all the children.” (I’m) just devastated, especially for him to die at that age and on that sort of charity trip,” Moore told BBC Radio Five Live. He retired from international rugby in 1985 aged 27. I had immense respect for him.” He returned to BBC Wales in 1990 after launching a newspaper journalism career with the Sunday Correspondent, followed by stints with the Observer and the Guardian.