Funeral of Wales' Watkins to be streamed over coronavirus fears

The funeral of former Wales rugby player Matthew Watkins is to be streamed online because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Watkins, who won 18 caps for Wales between 2003 and 2006, died earlier this month at the age of 41 after being diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013.

The former Dragons, Scarlets and Gloucester centre's funeral will take place on 31 March and a large gathering had been expected in Cardiff.

But Woodfield Park Funeral Directors said in a statement on their website: "During these uncertain times we ask that only family and close friends attend Matthew's funeral service."

The added: "The funeral service will be streamed online for anyone wishing to see from the safety of their own home."

Watkins made more than 300 club appearances in a 14-year senior career before he retired in 2011.