Posted on: Friday 16 September 2022
Tributes have been pouring in for Pontypool RFC legend Eddie Butler, who sadly passed away yesterday, aged 65.
Eddie played for Pontypool throughout the 1970s and 1980s under Ray Prosser, during an era in which the club dominated Welsh rugby.
Butler captained the side between 1982 and 1985 and went on to have a highly decorated international career, representing Wales sixteen times.
After retiring from the sport in 1985, Eddie went into broadcasting and became a well renowned lead BBC rugby commentator. He also featured as a commentator for the Olympics and Invictus Games.
Leader of Torfaen Council, Councillor Anthony Hunt, who met Eddie on a number of occasions, said: : “I was so sorry to hear the news of Eddie Butler's death. Not only was Eddie a Pooler legend, he was also a truly nice guy. A fantastically skilled player who disproved the myth that those great Pooler sides couldn't play the game expansively when they wanted to, he was also a great broadcaster and for many of us the voice of Wales in the Six Nations.
“Most of all though he was an intelligent, warm-hearted, humorous and genuine man, someone who always took the time to talk whenever I met him and who retained a love for Pooler throughout his life. I will miss him, my respect and sympathy goes to his family. Rest in peace Eddie.”
Kind words were also expressed online by Pontypool RFC CEO Ben Jeffreys, he said
“I’m very saddened to learn of Eddie Butler’s passing. Eddie was a legend of Welsh rugby. He was also incredibly kind and a truly wonderful person. His loss will be felt deeply by everyone at Pontypool RFC."
“My thoughts are with Eddie’s wife, Sue, his family and many, many friends.”
The club will continue to pay its respects to Eddie when they host Neath RFC at Pontypool Park later this month.