Mike Tindall shares devastating news in emotional post

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 8 March 2020

Mike Tindall has sadly announced that one of his friend has passed away in an emotional post.

Zara’s husband revealed the sad news on social media, with an emotional message dedicated to former Wales rugby international star Matthew J Watkins.
The sportsman sadly passed away aged 41 on Friday.
This follows royal news that Princess Anne also revealed she tragically lost a friend recently.

The royal shared the sad news on Twitter, with an emotional post dedicated to the rugby player.

He wrote, ‘So sad to hear that MJ Watkins passed away last night after fighting cancer for so long. Such a good laugh to be around and made people around him smile more! Pretty good player as well! Thoughts are with his family! #RIPMJ’.

Responding to the emotional announcement, one fan said, ‘He was a top bloke, fought his illness with courage and bravery, thoughts and prayers are with his family #RIPMJW.’

The Welsh star was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013, after he thought the soreness in his back was due to a hip injury that forced him to retire in 2011.

In 2018, he discovered it had spread to his spine and in January this year, he revealed his cancer had spread to his head.

Matthew leaves behind wife Stacey and sons Siôr and Tal. His former team the Scarlets issues a statement following the news, which read, ‘The Scarlets family are deeply saddened by the news that our former player Matthew Watkins has passed away at the age of 41.

‘MJ played 150 matches in a Scarlets jersey between 2002 and 2008, scoring 42 tries, including one against Ulster at Stradey Park that helped the Scarlets clinch the 2003-04 Celtic League title.

‘He is fondly remembered as a silky-skilled, creative midfielder, who was a hugely popular figure among our supporters, the playing squad and staff at Stradey. The thoughts of everyone at Scarlets Rugby are with Matthew’s wife Stacey, his sons Siôr and Tal, family and friends at this sad time.’

Our thoughts are with Matthew's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.