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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Matthew Southcombe

Jonathan Davies pays tribute to 'a charming man and a great friend' following Eddie Butler's death

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies says he's 'devastated' to learn of the passing of Eddie Butler.

The pair formed an entertaining partnership in the commentary booth on the BBC's coverage of Wales internationals over the years, with Butler leading the action and Davies bringing his analysis with plenty of humour.

Reacting to news of Butler's passing, Davies said: "Totally devastated with the news about Eddie. Lost a charming man and a great friend. My thoughts are with Sue and all the children."

LIVE: Latest Eddie Butler tributes as rugby world devastated

Earlier this evening, it was announced that former Wales captain Butler, who later became the voice of Welsh rugby in a distinguished career in sports commentating, had died. He was at a fundraising event for Prostate Cymru in Peru, where he died peacefully in his sleep.

A statement from the charity read: "Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.

"Over the last week, Ed once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

"In the early hours of Thursday 15 September, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes. He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children who are very much in our thoughts."

Like Davies, Butler also developed a brilliant relationship with co-commentator and former England hooker Brian Moore. The pair would joust from time to time but it was always amicable and Moore was moved to pay tribute.

He said: "I am devastated by this news. Ed, I'm sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. Well, it wasn't like that between us, was it.

"Condolences to Sue and your family. Sport has lost an iconic voice, I have lost a very dear friend.

"Goodbye Edward."

Read more:

Former Wales captain and much-loved rugby commentator Eddie Butler has died

Brian Moore devastated by Eddie Butler death as he says moving goodbye

Eddie Butler death: Latest tributes as rugby world devastated

Eddie Butler was the voice of Welsh rugby and the game will never quite sound the same without him

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