Former Wales and British and Irish Lions fullback JPR Williams has died at the age of 74.
An aggressive player known for his attacking style, the full-back was regarded as a titan of Welsh rugby, earning 55 caps in Scarlet and starring in victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974.
Making his debut against Scotland in 1969, he would enjoy a twelve-year-long career, playing his final test match against the Scots in Murrayfield.
(Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
Fellow Welsh greats Sir Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett, and Gerald Davies all revered his skills as a rugby player.
On top of his success at the highest level, he is regarded as one of the strongest players to ever play for London Welsh and was part of several famous Barbarians squads, including their unforgettable 23-11 victory over New Zealand in 1973 that featured what many fans regard as a length of the field move considered to be one of the greatest tries of all time.
His death was announced by Bridgend Ravens, a club where Williams served as a player and as club president.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said in a statement.
“An icon of the world game, John Peter Rhys Williams served Bridgend Ravens as a player and most recently as club president. He was capped 55 times for Wales and made eight Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.
“Highlights of his illustrious career included winning two Schweppes Cup titles with Bridgend in 1979 and 1980, and three (Five Nations) Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978 for Wales.
“Following his retirement from the game, JPR became a key figure of the club’s administrative team, serving as Bridgend Ravens club president – a role he held until his passing.
“JPR’s passing leaves a huge void at the club, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.”
Many clubs, including World Rugby and the British and Irish Lions, offered condolences to Williams’ family. London Welsh FC also released a statement in support of their former player, who enjoyed an eight-year stint at the club.
“All at London Welsh RFC are deeply saddened by the news this evening that rugby legend JPR Williams has passed away,” the club said.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends, colleagues and family. A huge loss to all who knew and loved him.”
The Barbarians said: “Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greats. A man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club.
“Rest in Peace, JPR.”
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
I’d forgotten about that
FunBus
Roar Rookie
The ‘74 side was a significantly better team than ‘71. Apart from the additional players, the core that has been on the ‘71 tour had that and 3 more years international experience under their belt. NZ refs were biased beyond belief, but SA refs were on a whole different level. To whitewash the Boks 4-0 in SA (I’m ignoring the last test draw where the ref simply cheated and denied the late winning try) was extraordinary.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
…and it would have been a 4-0 series win whitewash but for the SA ref denying the late winning try in the final test so it was a draw. I believe he was quoted some years later as saying ‘look - I had to carry I living here.’
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Yeah. 11 from 11 apparently. The two fixtures he missed, the Welsh lost. Scored 4 of his 6 tries against us too. Further irony, he qualified for England as his Mum was a Rochdale girl.
Iknowalittle
Roar Rookie
JPR played for Wales in the 1968 tour to Argentina, drawing one game with the Pumas and losing the other. That may have not counted as a cap but it was two national teams playing each other.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Go for the gap son.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
I read he never lost to England. True?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH it was virtually the same team of the combined nations Lions team that went to South Africa. I’m not sure but I think Carwyn James was still the coach? I could be wrong!
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I will argue that 74 was a better team. 2nd Test ( I attended) beat the Boks 28 to 9 scoring 5 tries to none. This at Fortress Loftus Versveld at altitude with a South African ref who were ridiculously biased in favour of The boks . Today with 5 points for a try that would have been closer to a 40 point difference ..
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Many a conversation to be had here over many subjects over many Castles ..But rugby is almost always a sure bet .
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Haha, I was just pulling your leg JN. I know how easy it is to get mixed up with dates etc and I'm always doing it. Actually, from about mid 1972 to Oct 1974 I was in and out of SA on business trips many times. Mainly Joburg but also Cape Town. Had many a Castle Lager discussing rugby.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Apologies 1974..Giving my age away .. :laughing: Actually in 1970 I was at the Pam Brink stadium when the ABs played Eastern Transvaal and a week later at Ellispark where Transvaal played the ABs ..But thanks for the correction anyway .
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
I'm shocked to see this report. Probably because I'm heading for my 75th birthday this year. But I also saw Williams and his short socks play a few times. What a fullback he was. Vale JPR.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
The All Blacks toured South Africa in 1970 JN, the first test was at Loftus. The Lions toured in 1974, the first test was at Cape Town. The Boks won both tests.
Basos
Roar Rookie
Founded in 1843, the Guy’s Hospital Rugby Club is the oldest rugby club in the world. In 1875 Guy's were playing St. George Hospital in the final of the Hospital's Cup. It is alleged the trophy given to Guy's (the winner) was a large milk churn which fell off a train as it passed the ground. The badges of the winners were placed on the trophy ever since. Also, it is alleged the churn is locked away somewhere safely and when it is brought out for the final, it is chained to the biggest men not playing in the game. It is probably invaluable now. The cup was also a badge of honor for the winning hospital. Ah, the knowledge of history when you mature with age.
30mm tags
Roar Rookie
A great player and we in Brisbane saw him play a sensational game against the Wallabies in 1978 at Ballymore. He was one of the best.
Basos
Roar Rookie
JPR trained as a doctor at St. Mary's Hospital in London and played rugby in the then known Hospital's Cup - a knock-out competition between the 12 or so medical schools in London and the oldest rugby trophy in the world. I played in that comp and JPR was tough as teak. He always wore his socks down because his mother said he would get varicose veins if he tied them up. Diolch yn fawr and hwyl fawr JPR. You will always be remembered for your rugby and medicine and yourself.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I attended my first Test match at Loftus Versveld 1970..Lions vs Boks ..JPR was the standout performer in a superb display of total dominance rugby from The Lions ..Time and again making The Boks look like a bunch of B div club players .... It was mesmerising .....I'm cautious about calling players all time greats and believe that should absolutely be reserved for the very select few who truly warrant it ..JPR Williams is on my list .
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yes maybe so, in the modern game W Evans, but many still can revert back even further, with George Nepia, Bob Scott, Don ( the Boot) Clarke, plus a few others, so i'd say that every discussion doesn't start with them.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
If only he was Chaz, but unfortunately he was Welsh. But like you, I'll forgive nationality for real talent!