Watkins lost his long battle with cancer on March 7 and only 10 members of his close family were allowed to attend his funeral in Cardiff due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The service was streamed online so additional mourners could pay their respects.
Watkins won 18 caps for Wales and also played for Welsh sides Scarlets and Dragons as well as English outfit Gloucester.
The great and good of Welsh rugby – who would normally have attended Watkins’ funeral – paid their tributes online after being urged to post a picture of them wearing a club tie or shirt by former No 8 Alix Popham.
He was truly one of the greats!
Thoughts are with his family today 💔#MJW13 #RIPMJW pic.twitter.com/HYTtLXtR9V— Andrew Coombs (@Coombs_A) March 31, 2020
Wing legend Shane Williams said: “Gutted I can’t be there for you today buddy! RIP MJ. Love you.” Former scrum-half Mike Phillips added: “What a truly amazing person, my thoughts are with MJ’s family. Sorry I can’t be there. I wore my Scarlets jersey for MJ’s funeral. So many happy memories playing alongside Matthew for both Scarlets and Wales. RIP Matthew Watkins.”
Former Wales No 8 Scott Quinnell said: “Thinking of MJ today. I was lucky enough to play a lot of rugby and golf with him. Great man and is very much missed by all that knew him. Love and thoughts with his family today as he is laid to rest. Sorry we can’t be there for you. #RIPMJ.
Richard Parks added: “Love, prayers and gratitude… #RIPMJ.”
James Hook, of Wales and British & Irish Lions fame, said: “Thoughts are with all of MJs family and friends today. #RIPMJ.”
Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker Dan Lydiate said: “RIP mate thinking of you and your loved ones today.”
Ian Evans added: “RIP Matt – top bloke! Thoughts are with his family.”
Watkins’ former teams also paid tribute to him.
The Dragons: “Everyone at the Dragons is thinking of Matthew’s wife Stacey, his sons Siôr and Tal, family and friends as they say goodbye this afternoon to MJ.
“He is in all of our hearts and thoughts today.”
A few words from our president Phil Bennett on Matthew J Watkins
“Matthew was an excellent rugby player and, above all, a lovely man. There was a modesty and humility about him and a concern for others.” (1/2) pic.twitter.com/TGVd8a7FwT
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) March 31, 2020
