Welsh rugby has lost another iconic 1970s legend following the death of JPR Williams at the age of 74.
The full-back, who played 55 times for his country and also made eight Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions, was a pivotal member of the Wales side which won three Five Nations grand slams in eight seasons between 1971 and 1978.
Even half a century later there are still no more famous set of initials in global rugby than JPR, which only the keenest of fans knew stood for John Peter Rhys. The wider public were more familiar with his trademark sideburns, rolled-down socks and no‑nonsense style of play which perfectly complemented the playmaking skills of such illustrious teammates as Barry John, Gareth Edwards and Phil Bennett.
As well as captaining Wales on five occasions, Williams was credited with changing the way people perceived the role of full-backs. Strong, direct, committed and athletic, he was first capped by Wales in 1969 at the age of 19 and was the starting Lions Test full-back in New Zealand just two years later. He started every Test in the Lions’ historic series victory, dropping the crucial long-range goal in the fourth and final Test which ended in a 14-14 draw.
Williams also toured South Africa in 1974 but did not go on the 1977 tour to New Zealand after being advised to focus on his “other” career as an orthopaedic surgeon. At club level he played for both London Welsh and Bridgend, for whom he was the victim of an infamous face stamp by the All Black John Ashworth in 1978. The wound on his cheek required 30 stitches, administered on the touchline by his father, but Williams returned to the field and finished the game. Among his other claims to fame was an extraordinary record against England. In 10 Tests against them for Wales he was never on the losing side and scored five tries.
Williams finally retired from international rugby in 1981 to concentrate on his job as a surgeon but continued to turn out for Tondu for many years. A man of multiple talents, he was also a successful tennis player in his youth, winning the 1966 British junior title at Wimbledon where he beat David Lloyd in the final. He only gave up tennis to play the amateur sport of rugby because it allowed him to further his medical career as an orthopaedic surgeon.
Tributes to the man universally known as JPR – to differentiate him from his Wales and Lions teammate JJ Williams – were led by his former club. “Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said in a statement on social media. “One of Bridgend’s most decorated players and an icon of world rugby, JPR served the club most recently as club president. Our thoughts are with JPR’s family and friends at this sad time.”
The Barbarians, for whom he played in the famous 1973 game against New Zealand in Cardiff, described him as “a man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club”. His former Lions captain Bill Beaumont, now chairman of World Rugby, also paid a rich tribute. “We have lost a true giant of the game. A legend for Wales & the Lions during an incredible era for Welsh rugby.”
A statement from the Williams family said: “JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis. The family request privacy at this difficult time.”
