Former Wales rugby union captain and legendary pundit Eddie Butler has died at the age of 65.
The ex-No 8 was on a charity trek in Peru when he passed away in his sleep. And news of his death has already prompted widespread tributes from rugby personnel.
Butler played 16 times for Wales between 1980 and 1984, captaining the side on six occasions and scoring two tries. He spent 15 years at Pontypool RFC and also received a called up to the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 1983, although didn't feature in any of the Test matches.
But it was post-playing career where he arguably became an iconic figure in the sport. He worked as both a pundit and a commentator for the BBC, becoming famed for his outspoken, and yet dignified ways.
He would regularly produce voiceovers on footage which formed an integral part of BBC coverage. His line of "Shave away Gavin, shave away" after Gavin Henson landed a long-range penalty for Wales to beat England in Cardiff to 2005, a reference to the star's shaven legs, went down in folklore in his homeland.
Butler had also played for Cambridge University from 1976-1978 while studying French and Spanish at Fitzwilliam College. He retired from international rugby in 1985 aged 27 and having worked as a teacher in Cheltenham for three years, before joining Radio Wales and embarking on a new career in media.
He was also an ambassador for Prostate Cymru, a Welsh organisation to raise prostate cancer awareness, and had published two rugby novels. Upon hearing the news, former commentary partner Brian Moore took to Twitter to pay a heartfelt tribute.
"I am devastated by this news," he wrote. "Ed, I'm sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. Sport has lost an iconic voice, I have lost a very dear friend. Goodbye Edward."
Former Wales and British Lions scrum half Mike Phillips added: "Shocking news about the great Eddie Butler. He was such a lovely guy," while Sir Bill Beaumont posted: "Eddie Butler was a true commentary great - the recognisable voice of the sport to millions and unrivalled in his storytelling behind the mic."
