He began his club career with RTB Ebbw Vale Youth RFC where he swapped his position to hooker.
Whilst still playing youth rugby he moved to Ebbw Vale RFC senior team.
He was first selected for the Wales international team during the 1988 Five Nations Championship, coming on as a replacement.
In December 1989 he was selected to face Romania on their tour of Great Britain.
Troubled by injuries, Watkins found it difficult to challenge for the Wales hooker position later in his career.