Former Wales rugby captain Eddie Butler has died at the age of 65. The iconic player died in his sleep while on a charity trek in Peru.
Eddie Butler : Death | Cause of death | Wife | Voice
Edward Thomas Butler (8 May 1957 – 15 September 2022) was a Welsh journalist, sports commentator, and Welsh rugby union player, who won 16 caps for the Wales team between 1980 and 1984 and scored 2 tries.
| Birth name | Edward Thomas Butler |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 8 May 1957 |
| Place of birth | Newport, Wales |
| Date of death | 15 September 2022 (aged 65) |
| Place of death | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru |
After retiring from playing the game, Butler wrote a weekly column in the Rugby Union section of The Observer Sport since 1991 and also wrote for The Guardian, as well as commentating for the BBC with Brian Moore, the former England hooker.
He received some attention when it became public knowledge that Austin Healey’s newspaper column had been written by Butler whilst Healey was on tour with the British and Irish Lions Rugby squad in Australia in 2001.
Before commentating on a match, Butler prepared for several hours, absorbing as much information as he could, but taking few notes, and likened it to cramming for an examination.
He described writing a match report, often under time pressure, as telling a story which does not necessarily have to follow the timeline of the match so long as it is entertaining and complete.
Eddie butler death
Former Wales Rugby Union captain and legendary sports broadcaster Eddie Butler has died at the age of 65.
The popular commentator rose to prominence with Pontypool in the 1970s, representing Wales between 1980 and 1984.
Charity Prostate Cymru, of which Mr Butler was an ambassador, said he died during the early hours of Thursday, September 15, “peacefully in his sleep” in the Peruvian Andes.
Mr Butler had been on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu to raise money for the charity at the time.
Prostate Cymru said it was “devastated” by the news of his death and asked that the family’s privacy be respected at “this difficult time.”
Leading tributes, the Welsh Rugby Union posted a statement on Facebook, saying: “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.
“Welsh Rugby Union chairman Rob Butcher has led the tributes to the former Wales international.
Cause of death
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a broadcasting giant following the death of Eddie Butler, aged 65.
The former Wales captain who, after retirement on the field became a much-loved, iconic voice for the BBC and also graced the pages of the Guardian and Observer, died in his sleep on a charity trek on the Inca Trail in Peru.
The ex-England hooker and Butler’s BBC colleague Brian Moore offered a touching social media farewell. “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.”
Butler was a key part of the Pontypool side which dominated Welsh club rugby in the late 1970s and early 1980s, captaining the side between 1982-85.
The imposing back-row forward made his Wales debut in the 18-9 victory over France in January 1980 and went on to win 16 caps between 1980-84.
Wife
Susan Butler was the known wife of the late Eddie Butler.They were married for many years and were blessed with six children.
Butler actively joined fund raising efforts for both Prostate Cymru and the Velindre Cancer Centre. On 15 September 2022, whilst taking part with 25 other Prostate Cymru charity walkers including his daughter Nell on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru, Butler died peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp near Cusco in the Andes mountains at the age of 65.
Not much information available about his wife.
Eddie butler voice
Eddie butler was regarded as Iconic Voice of the Rugby.
Former Wales captain and rugby commentator Eddie Butler has died aged 65, with tributes lamenting the loss of an “iconic” sporting voice.
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“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.”
Butler rose to prominence with Pontypool in the 1970s, representing Wales between 1980 and 1984.
He toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1983, before forging a highly respected career as a commentator and broadcaster.
“The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler,” read a statement announcing the news.
“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.
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