Former Wales prop Buckett dies aged 56

Former Wales and Swansea prop Ian Buckett has died at the age of 56.

Buckett won three senior caps for Wales in the 1990s and made nine Wales A appearances, while he also represented the Barbarians.

A solicitor, Buckett also played for London Welsh and university rugby for Wales, Swansea and Oxford.

Hailing from north Wales, he was involved in running Flint RFC and RGC14 in his post-playing days.

Buckett made 186 appearances across 10 seasons at Swansea before leaving for London Welsh in 1998.

It was during his spell with the Whites that the loosehead prop represented Wales at senior level, with his debut coming against Tonga in 1994 before he played against USA and Canada in 1997.

The Welsh Rugby Union said that as a player, Buckett “was admired and feared in equal measure”, while Swansea said they were “so very saddened” to hear of Buckett’s passing.

Flint RFC described Buckett as a “gentleman and a good friend to everyone”.

“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,” they added.