Tributes paid to former Birkenhead Park and Wales rugby player

Former Birkenhead Park and Wales rugby player, Ian Buckett, has died at the age of 56, it has been announced.

Mr Buckett was hugely admired and played for his country through the age-grade ranks before winning three senior caps.

He made 186 appearances for Swansea over 10 seasons and played for the All Whites against New Zealand in 1989 and South Africa in 1994.

READ NEXT: BOXPARK Liverpool goes wild as Merseyside stars send England to Euro 2024 semi-final

READ NEXT: Suspect named after death of 'football mad' schoolboy Charlie Lowe

Birkenhead Park Rugby Club paid tribute to their former player. They said: "Very sad news regarding ex-Park player Ian Buckett. Everyone at Birkenhead Park sends their heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family. R.I.P Ian."

In announcing his death on their Facebook page on Sunday July 7, another of his former clubs, Flint RFC, which Mr Buckett also chaired, wrote an obituary to one of their most illustrious players. It reads: "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, he then played for a number of North Wales clubs and Birkenhead Park before moving down to play for Swansea.

"Ian spent nine seasons at Swansea and in that time, he played for Wales U21 Wales A, he represented the Barbarians against Argentina, Leicester and Newport, he gained an Oxford blue while studying at Oxford University, Ian topped 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 Ian had finished playing first class rugby he returned to his home Holywell and club Flint, where he shared his wealth of knowledge & experience helping the club, being 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 & solicitor to good use.

"Ian has 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 Ian's son Conor & family, rest in peace old friend."

Mr Buckett toured with Wales to Zimbabwe and Namibia in 1993, scoring on his debut in a win over Zimbabwe B, to Canada and the South Seas in 1994, where he made his international debut in the win over Tonga, and to North America in 1997, when he featured in the Test victories over the USA and Canada.

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here