Crusader Watkins replaces Davies

David Watkins is the new president of Celtic Crusaders after fellow Wales dual-code international Jonathan Davies opted to relinquish the position.

"It was a big decision to stand down but I may have to commentate and give independent opinions about the Crusaders," said Davies.

"I didn't think it would be right to continue under those circumstances.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here. David is a fantastic choice as president and I wish him all the best."

Watkins is the only player in history to have captained both the British and Irish Lions rugby union side and the Great Britain rugby league teams.

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He was also captain of the Welsh national side in both union and league and turned out for the Barbarians in 1962.

In October 1967, Watkins went north to play rugby league, joining Salford for a club-record fee.

Watkins played six times for Great Britain and also skippered Wales in the 1975 World Cup where he was one of only three players to appear in all eight games.

In the 1977 World Cup, England and Wales combined again to become Great Britain and Watkins coached them to the final where they narrowly lost 13-12 to Australia.

"I really want this to be a huge success"

He was later one of the pioneers who set up the Cardiff City Blue Dragons side in 1981.

In 1992, he was appointed Newport RFC team manager, one of the few people to return to rugby union when it was still an amateur game.

Later he became the club's chairman before being made an MBE.

In 2006 Watkins was installed as a patron of the Welsh Rugby League, and he is currently president of the Newport Gwent Dragons.

"I'm delighted to be the new president of Celtic Crusaders," said Watkins.

"I've enjoyed watching them since their inception and I'm now pleased to be officially involved.

"I really want this to be a huge success. Celtic Crusaders are now a fully professional outfit, they have the right backing, the right press and hopefully soon we will get the right sort of results too."

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