The Heritage site has brought back many memories, not least when I played with John Watkins @ Gordon League in the late 60s before he went to Glos. An inspirational player who always gave 100%. When he and Mike Burton trained with us in their England track suits it gave us all a lift. Thanks John.

Probably the most committed and dedicated Rugby player I ever saw. A real "honour" to be on the same field as him, and pleasure to be in his company off the field. Interestingly I only found out the other day that he was relatively late coming to Kingsholm, hence why he never made the 500 club!

I remember a shopping trip in Glos in '78, when I was just shy of eleven. I managed to catch Mr Watkins as he was cycling leisurely along Eastgate Street, and he kindly signed my scrap of paper and let me shake his hand. Still have the autograph. Legend

John is an absolute legend of the game and a true gentleman. I have been lucky enough to play in the same team as John not that many years ago and he was still a class player. I didn't start playing rugby until my teenage years and if it wasn't for John, I would never have kept playing.

Watkins, one of the most dynamic Elver Eaters ever, has a claim to fame shared by very few. In the space of twelve months he was in a winning England XV against South Africa and New Zealand in their own countries.

This website is brilliant. John Watkins was my favourite player as a lad and I think it worth pointing out he captained the 1978 John Player Cup winning side.

It's perhaps worth mentioning that John still loyally serves the game he loves as a referee - the local junior clubs regard themselves as fortunate and honoured to be allocated his services on a Saturday afternoon.