Watts came to prominence in Welsh rugby when he was part of the Maesteg team that won the Glamorgan Challenge Cup in 1912.

In 1914 Watts was selected to represent Wales as part of the Five Nations Championship.

Of all Watts' matches, the most notable was the final game at the Balmoral Showgrounds against Ireland.

Again led by Alban Davies, Watts turned out in the match played to boost recruitment for the Welsh Guards, though the game is not recognised as a full international.

During the war Watts joined the King's Shropshire Light Infantry as part of the 7th Battalion,[2] reaching the rank of corporal.