sport news MARTYN WILLIAMS: Eddie Butler was a master in commentary box but he was like a ... trends now
Very, very few people can transcend a generation – but Eddie Butler was one. The sudden death of a good friend at the age of 65 is still difficult for me to get my head around.
You have seen the impact Eddie had on the world by the fact there have been tributes to him from people from all eras. The current Wales players have been sending their condolences on social media. As Wales team manager now, I can tell you not once were today’s squad critical of Eddie.
They would wax lyrical about him and his montages and were comfortable in his company.
And those from the 1970’s and 1980’s who played with him and then worked with him in later life have also been united in grief.
That’s what I mean when I say Eddie transcended a generation.
He touched the lives of so many people, first as a player and then through his work in the media where he will always be remembered for his outstanding television commentary.
Eddie voiced some of the biggest moments of my career as a player like the 2005 and 2008 Six Nations Grand Slams. When you’re playing in big games, you’re obviously not watching or listening to the television commentary. But you always look back on them straight after and in the years to come. You realise then how special those moments are.
BBC rugby commentator Eddie Butler died in his sleep aged 65 while fundraising in Peru
During Covid, a lot of the old footage of Welsh Grand Slams was put back out and the memories came flooding back for me.
Eddie voiced them all.
He nailed every big moment whether it was Gavin Henson’s kick against England in 2005, Kevin Morgan’s try against Ireland (also in 2005) or that England and Wales game in 2008.
Eddie was the voice of a golden generation of Welsh rugby.
Together in New York in 2018 for a photo opportunity in front of the picturesque Manhattan
Butler (centre) won 16 caps for Wales in his career and captained his country on six occasions
He’ll be sorely missed, but never forgotten. I was in the house with my family on Thursday night when I looked online and saw the headline saying Eddie had passed away.
It was the sort of moment that slaps you in the face. It’s been devastating.
Television work and commentary is so, so difficult – as I found out when I moved into the media after retiring as a player. The TV world can be very cut-throat and by its very nature you can come across some egos. Eddie had no ego. He was so helpful to me when I started.
It’s pretty daunting going into a Six Nations commentary and you know there are millions watching! But Eddie would make
