Ian Buckett dead at 56: Former Wales rugby star who was ‘admired and feared equally’ dies as tributes pour in

FORMER Wales rugby star Ian Buckett has passed away aged 56.

He was capped three times for the Dragons in the 1990s.

Buckett played for London Welsh and university rugby for the likes of Wales, Swansea and Oxford.

The prop made an incredible 186 appearances for the Swans over ten seasons.

After hanging up his boots, the qualified solicitor also worked as a chairman at his former club Flint RFC.

In a touching tribute, they wrote: "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.

"Ian spent ten 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 for Wales.

“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.

“He 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.”

The Welsh Rugby Union said Buckett was: "Admired and feared in equal measure.”

Tributes also poured in from fans, with one saying: "Very sad to hear about the passing of Ian Buckett. Thoughts with his family. May he rest in peace."

Another added: "My sincere condolences to his family and friends."

A third wrote: "Very sad, I remember Ian playing at Swansea, he was a great player."

And more commented: "I’m shocked to read this, a very nice, genuine man, always had the time for a chat and will be extremely missed."