[1] Watkins started playing rugby union for the Wellington College Old Boys' Club.Watkins was part of the Wellington sides that both won the Ranfurly Shield in 1904 and lost it in 1905.In 1907, when his work took him north to Raetihi, Watkins played in the local competition and represented Wanganui.In 1907 Watkins joined the professional All Blacks in their tour of Great Britain and Australia.Like all other members of the touring party,[2] Watkins received a life ban from the New Zealand Rugby Union.