The former ruby commentator and Wales captain Eddie Butler has passed away at the age of 65.

Butler made his name playing for Pontypool and turning out 16 times for Wales between 1980 and 1984, captaining them on six occasions.

He later moved into broadcasting, mainly in Rugby, but also providing commentary for Olympic Games, Invictus Games and history series for BBC Wales.

It was revealed that he died in his sleep on a charity trek on the Inca Trail in Peru in the early hours of Thursday, September 16.

Former England hooker Brian Moore paid tribute to his BBC colleague, writing: “I am devastated by this news.

“Ed, I’m sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. Well, it wasn’t like that between us, was it.

“Condolences to Sue and your family. Sport has lost an iconic voice.

“I have lost a very dear friend. Goodbye Edward

Charity Prostate Cymru, for whom Butler served as an ambassador, also paid tribute to him in a statement saying: “The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler.

“Eddie was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.

“Over the last week Eddie once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

“In the early hours of Thursday, September 15, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes.

“He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children, who are very much in our thoughts.”