Statement: Former Wales forward has passed away aged 56

Buckett earned three senior caps for Wales during the 1990s and made nine appearances for Wales A. He also played for the Barbarians.

In addition to his rugby career, Buckett was a solicitor and played for London Welsh. He also represented Wales, Swansea, and Oxford in university rugby.

Originally from North Wales, Buckett was actively involved in running Flint RFC and RGC14 after retiring from playing.

Over a decade-long career with Swansea, Buckett made 186 appearances before moving to London Welsh in 1998. It was during his time with Swansea that he made his senior debut for Wales, playing against Tonga in 1994, and later against the USA and Canada in 1997.

The Welsh Rugby Union remembered Buckett as a player who was “admired and feared in equal measure,” while Swansea expressed they were “so very saddened” by his passing.

Flint RFC paid tribute to Buckett, calling him a “gentleman and a good friend to everyone.” They added, “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.”