Eddie Butler: Tributes pour in after former Wales captain and legendary commentator passes away
The news of former Wales captain and legendary commentator Eddie Butler’s passing, aged 65, has come as a shock and tributes have poured in from around the rugby world.
Broadcasting colleagues led the tributes for BBC stalwart Butler, who passed away in his sleep during a charity trek in Peru on Thursday.
Jonathan Davies and Brian Moore, who were Butler’s colleagues on commentary duty, were among the first to pay their respects.
Devastating news
Former Wales fly-half Davies tweeted: “Totally devastated with the news about Eddie.
“Lost a charming man and a great friend. My thoughts are with Sue and all the children.”
Butler was a back-row star for Pontypool during the 1970s, before making his Test debut for Wales against France in 1980.
His excellence as a broadcaster led to him doing colourful voice-over pieces – often delivered on Olympics duty – in later years.
Moore bemoaned the departure of an “iconic” voice in sports broadcasting, who was a “very dear friend” to him.
“Ed, I’m sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man,” he tweeted. “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.”
Television presenter Gabby Logan, who is at the forefront of the BBC’s Six Nations coverage, said: “Eddie was a wonderful broadcaster, the kindest man and such great company.
“Many of us who worked with him are heartbroken.”
There were also tributes from Wales’ politicians, with First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeting: “Extremely sad to hear of Eddie’s passing.
“Eddie was an incredible player and a supremely talented broadcaster. Wales will miss him terribly.”
Supported Welsh independence
In recent years, Butler was a vocal supporter of Welsh independence and he addressed crowds at a march in Merthyr Tydfil in 2019.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price was full of praise for Butler’s “lyricism and humanity” and said people would be marching for the former international at a forthcoming independence rally in Cardiff.
“Eddie Butler was the most special man – a voice whose lyricism and humanity resonated across the nation, the generations, the world,” tweeted Price.
“We have lost one of the greats. Thinking of Eddie’s family and the many others who loved him. Come October 1 Eddie Mawr (Big Eddie) we’ll march for you.”
Former Wales skipper Sam Warburton praised Butler’s “amazing contribution” to sport and journalism.
“Stunned at the news and passing of Eddie Butler,” said Warburton.
“Thoughts with his family. What an amazing contribution to rugby and broadcasting.
“A privilege to have played and co-commentated with his voice. RIP Eddie.”
World Rugby chairman and former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont hailed Butler’s peerless commentary brilliance.
Unrivalled storyteller
“Eddie Butler was a true commentary great – the recognisable voice of the sport to millions and unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic,” Beaumont tweeted.
“Captain of Wales and a superb player, he was also a true gentleman. I am deeply shocked. My thoughts are with his family and BBC colleagues.”
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