Tributes have poured in for popular and much-respected Wales rugby pathway doctor Julian Widdowson, who has died suddenly at the age of 63.
The Welsh Rugby Union say his skill and experience as a sport physician proved invaluable to a whole generation of Welsh international players.
A specialist in sport and exercise and musculoskeletal problems, he had a glittering reputation and worked at national and international level across many sports. He helped gold-medal Olympians and Paralympians as well as recreational sportspeople, operating with professionalism, kindness and expert care.
Widdowson spent 12 years with Bath Rugby and also served Gloucester and England Saxons, as well as Wales. Since 2018, he has also been working with West Bromwich Albion football club and he has helped the Royal Ballet School.
He joined the WRU as Wales men’s U20s team doctor in 2014, later twice accompanying the men’s U18s to South Africa, and performed the role of Wales men's senior team doctor in 2021.
In a tribute to him on their website, the WRU say : “In these roles, his skills and experience as a sport physician proved invaluable to a whole generation of Welsh international players. Several of these players were re-joined by Julian when he took up the temporary role of men’s senior team doctor in the summer of 2021. As a passionate Welshman, Julian would have been immensely proud during the anthems at the Principality Stadium that summer.”
Patrick Moran, the union’s lead pathway physiotherapist, said: “Julian’s contribution to the WRU extended beyond the treatment room and pitch-side. He was a well-loved member of all the management teams he worked with. He had an understanding of the pressures of professional sport, and with his sense of humour, empathy and winning smile, brought assurance to all his colleagues. He was, in short, great company, and will be sorely missed by us all.”
Widdowson treated Scarlets and Wales fly-half Sam Costelow after the youngster suffered a nasty injury while playing age-grade rugby. “He was class,” said Costelow. “He was a huge help to me when I broke my jaw playing for Wales U20s against New Zealand out in Argentina in 2019. He could speak Spanish, so the fact he could translate everything they were saying made a difficult time that much easier to deal with.”
There was also a compassionate side to Widdowson which players appreciated. “He was a kind man and was more than just a doctor for us as players. You could go to him and speak about anything, and he was always there to help,” said Costelow. “I spoke to some of the boys after the Scarlets game [on Sunday] who had come through the U20s, and their reaction was all the same: they were all devastated with the news. It’s so sad for his family and friends.”
Former England international Matt Banahan said on social media: "Still in shock. Only spoke to him a few weeks ago with a warm embrace like always. A man behind the scenes who looked after all @BathRugby players. RIP DOC".
Jules, as he was known, was lead doctor for West Brom’s first team and academy. He also worked as a consultant at the Royal Ballet School, among his other roles. He was also team doctor to Wales Rugby League. He was also involved at the Paralympics World Cup in 2009 and was the medical team leader at the athletics track of the London Olympics in 2012.
A heartfelt statement from Bath ran: “Bath Rugby is devastated to learn of the sad passing of former club doctor Julian Widdowson. A kind, caring man and an excellent professional in his field, Julian had a long and successful career in professional sport. He made a huge impact on so many people’s lives and will be sorely missed.”
West Brom will mark his passing by wearing black armbands for Monday night’s Championship clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, while there will be a minute’s applause ahead of the home game against Rotherham on Saturday.
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