Yahoo News Tributes to former Wales international rugby star from Flintshire who has died
The Welsh rugby community is mourning the loss of former international Ian Buckett, who has passed away at the age of 56. Holywell-born Buckett, a revered prop who represented Swansea, Oxford University, and London Welsh, hailed from Flinthsire and earned respect on the field from age-grade to senior level, securing three caps for the national team.
During his decade with Swansea, he made 186 appearances and faced off against formidable teams like New Zealand in 1989 and South Africa in 1994. Flint RFC, where Buckett was both a celebrated player and former chairman, announced his passing on their Facebook page on Sunday, July 7, reports Wales Online.
Flint Rugby Club expressed their deep sorrow at the news of Ian Buckett's death. "It is with great sadness that Flint Rugby Club announce the sad passing of Ian Buckett. Ian started his illustrious rugby career at Delyn RFC, where his talents were soon recognised and was selected for Welsh Schools," they stated.
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"He then played for a number of North Wales clubs and Birkenhead Park before moving down to play for Swansea. Ian spent 10 seasons at Swansea and in that time he played for Wales U21, Wales A, he represented the Barbarians against Argentina, Leicester and Newport, gained an Oxford Blue and topped off his rugby career with three full caps and nine uncapped appearances for Wales."
"In 1998 Ian left Swansea and headed for London and played for London Welsh. Once he had finished playing first class rugby he returned to his home in Holywell and his club Flint, where he shared his wealth of knowledge and experience in helping the club."
"He was chairman for three years, even playing for a season and turning out for the North Wales Barbarians a few times. Ian was also instrumental in helping RGC in their early years, putting his experience of being a professional player and solicitor to good use."
"Ian touched so many lives and he'll be sorely missed, not only at Flint RFC, but also throughout North Wales, Wales and the wider rugby community. Ian was a gentleman and good friend to everyone, our thoughts go out to his son Conor and family."
Swansea RFC said they were "deeply saddened by the news", while the WRU expressed "sincere condolences" to the family.
Buckett had the opportunity to tour with Wales to Zimbabwe and Namibia in 1993, where he scored his first goal in a victory over Zimbabwe B. He also travelled to Canada and the South Seas in 1994, making his international debut in a win against Tonga.
In 1997, he was part of the team that triumphed over the USA and Canada during a tour to North America.
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