Former Wales captain and ‘iconic’ voice of rugby Eddie Butler dies aged 65
Former Wales captain and rugby commentator Eddie Butler has died aged 65, with tributes lamenting the loss of an “iconic” sporting voice.
The 16-cap Wales number eight died in his sleep on a charity trek on the Inca Trail in Peru.
Former England hooker and Butler’s BBC colleague Brian Moore offered a touching social media farewell.
I am devastated by this news.
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. https://t.co/wtbEmQJhCm— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) September 15, 2022
“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 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.
We are devastated by the passing of our much loved and admired ambassador Eddie Butler.
Please read our full statement here. pic.twitter.com/AqVE9j3WN3— Prostate Cymru (@ProstateCymru) September 15, 2022
“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.”
Butler represented Cambridge University from 1976 to 1978 while studying French and Spanish at Fitzwilliam College.
The imposing back-row forward made his Wales debut in the 18-9 win over France in January 1980.
After rugby Butler enjoyed a short stint as a teacher, then worked for a property development company – before finding another niche in broadcasting.
Butler moved on from stints with national newspapers to excel for the BBC in commentary on rugby, but also adding colour to major sporting events, notably coverage of the Olympics.
