Former Wales and Ireland full-back JPR Williams dies aged 74

Former Wales and Welsh Lions defender JPR Williams has died aged 74.

Williams, a fearless player known for his aggressive and aggressive style, won 55 caps for Wales and started all eight Tests on the Lions’ tours to New Zealand in 1971 and Africa South three years later.

He was famous among other great Welsh players such as Sir Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett and Gerald Davies, and he was one of the best players in rugby.

His death was announced by Bridgend Ravens, a club where Williams was a player and club president.

“Bridgend Ravens are delighted to announce the death of JPR Williams,” the club said in a statement on its website.

The family then said in a statement to the BBC: “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 asks for privacy at this difficult time.”

Bridgend’s statement continued: “An icon of the world game, John Peter Rhys Williams served Bridgend Ravens as a player and more recently as club president.

“He was capped 55 times for Wales and played eight Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

“Highlights of his illustrious career included winning two Schweppes Cup titles with Bridgehead in 1979 and 1980, and three (Five Nations) Championships in 1971, 1976 and 1978 for Wales.

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“After retiring from the game, JPR became a key figure in the club’s administrative team, serving as president of the Bridge Ravens Club – a role he held until his death.

“JPR’s death leaves a huge void at the club, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.”

Williams made his Wales debut against Scotland in 1969, and his final test appearance came against the same opponents at Murrayfield 12 years later.

A star performer during the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, he was a fearless defender alongside his attacking panache.

Williams was a key part of the Lions team that recorded a 2-1 series win over New Zealand in 1971 – a feat never before achieved by any Lions team – scoring a goal in the fourth Test which ended 14- 14 and secured a series. success

He was equally prominent on the 1974 tour of South Africa, which the Lions won with three wins and a draw, demonstrating his quality throughout.

Williams also starred for the Barbarians in their unforgettable 23-11 victory over New Zealand in 1973, touching down in a game that is remembered mainly for Edwards’ great touchdown that ended a great move-on-the-field.

Williams’ club career included a memorable eight-year spell in London, England, when the Exiles were a major force in British rugby.

“Everyone at London Welsh RFC is deeply saddened by this evening’s news 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.”

Williams, who captained Wales five times, was awarded an MBE for his contribution to sport.

And he continued to play into his early 50s, serving at village club Tondu before calling it a day in 2003.

Meanwhile, the Lions paid tribute to Williams, describing him as “a man who inspired so many people”.

“One of the greatest Lions of all time,” the Lions called X. “A man who inspired so many people.

“It is with great sadness to learn that JPR Williams has passed away at the age of 74.

“All our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

And the Barbarians said: “Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greatest players. A man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club.

“Rest in Peace, JPR.”

World Rugby posted on X: “One of the greatest players the game has ever seen. JPR Williams leaves behind an incredible legacy. All our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Welsh Rugby Union President Terry Cobner, who played alongside Williams for Wales during the 1976 and 1978 Grand Slam campaigns, also paid tribute.

“The world of rugby has lost one of the greatest players of all time, a man who changed the game of full-back over a 12-year international career,” Cobner told the WRU website.

“He was the defensive rock in every team he played for, the counter-attacking inspiration and the man who had no fear and never saw a lost cause. We all thought he was ‘Mr Indestructible’.

“Although he played during the amateur era, he was extremely professional in his sporting attitude and always pushed standards in training and on the pitch.

“With JPR on your side, there was always a chance to win anything.”