- JPR Williams, rugby legend, dies
- Notable career with Wales, Lions
- Tributes pour from rugby community
Rugby legend JPR Williams, a Welsh British and Irish Lions member passed away at 74.
In the 1970s, the former fullback for London Welsh, Bridgend, and the Barbarians closely associated himself with the triumphs of Wales and the Lions.
Williams amassed 55 appearances for his nation while serving as the captain of Wales and Bridgend.
Williams accumulated eight Test caps during the unprecedented triumphant Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974.
“JPR passed away peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales, surrounded by his devoted wife and four children, following a brief battle with valiantly contracted bacterial meningitis,” read a statement from the Williams family.
The family requests privacy during this trying time.
Williams won Three Five Nations Grand Slams in 1971, 1976, and 1978. Although he withdrew from international rugby in 1981, he maintained sporadic sports participation until his retirement in 2003.
Social media was utilized to inform the public of the passing of Bridgend Ravens, formerly known as Bridgend Williams.
Tributes to Rugby Icon
They stated that Bridgend Ravens are heartbroken to learn of the demise of JPR Williams.
“JPR, an icon of international rugby and one of Bridgend’s most decorated players, most recently presided over the club as club president.” During this time of sorrow, our sympathies are with the family and friends of JPR.
Jonathan Davies, a former captain of Wales, characterized Williams as an “ultimate legend.”
“Not many people can go by their initials, and he was known as JPR,” he reported.
“I recall observing him as a child.” He established himself as an invincible pillar of defense with his tackles.
“If you desired someone to be behind you at fullback, I cannot think of a more suitable candidate.”
“When the fights broke out in South Africa in 1974, he continued to rush in from fullback to punch the forwards while playing for the Lions. He was arguably the most competitive individual I have ever encountered.
“He exhibited intense competitiveness.” It is incredibly tragic, as he was an exceptional rugby player and a remarkable individual.
When discussing the all-time finest fullbacks of any era, names such as Christian Cullen and Serge Blanco are frequently mentioned; JPR is always mentioned.
“One of the greatest ever” players to don their shirt, the British and Irish Lions described Williams as “a man who inspired so many.”
Legacy of a Rugby Icon
Williams was involved in what Sir Gareth Edwards scored in Cardiff in 1973 for the Barbarians against New Zealand and is widely regarded as rugby’s all-time most excellent try.
The Barbarians hailed Williams as “one of rugby’s all-time greats” and “would perpetually hold a special place in our club’s hearts and history.”
The eight-year player for London Welsh, Williams’s demise was a “huge loss to all who knew and loved him,” according to the club.
The sport’s regulatory body, World Rugby, referred to Williams as “one of the game’s all-time greats.”
Following his retirement from rugby, Williams devoted himself to the profession of an orthopedic surgeon.
Jamie Roberts, a former Wales and Lions center who also earned a medical degree, described Williams as “a role model and inspiration for the rugby-medical fraternity” and an icon for Wales, the Lions, and the Barbarians.
“The individual who had no fears”
Terry Cobner, the newly elected president of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), was a teammate of Williams during the 1977 Triple Crown while competing in the 1976 and 1978 Grand Slam seasons.
Cobner stated that one of the finest players in rugby history, who revolutionized fullback play, has passed away.
JPR Williams: Rugby Legend’s Impact
“He was the counteroffensive inspiration of every team he was a member of, a defensive rock; he had no fears and never saw a lost cause.” Everyone believed that he was “Mr. Indestructible.”
“Even though he participated in the amateur era, his approach to sports was always extremely professional, and he consistently raised the bar in both training and competition.” Possessing JPR on your side, the possibility of winning anything was always present.
His 55 caps, three Grand Slams, and six Triple Crowns establish him as one of the most illustrious figures in the history of Welsh rugby.
Additionally, he participated in each of the eight Tests contested in New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974, arguably the two greatest tours the Lions ever undertook.
“His drop goal from approximately halfway through the series helped the 1971 Lions secure a 2-1 victory over the formidable All Blacks in the fourth Test and the series as a whole; it was the only series victory the Lions achieved on New Zealand soil.”
“A rising star from his early school years at Bridgend Grammar and Millfield, he went on to excite crowds on the club scenes of London Welsh and Bridgend.” “The Box Office” was wherever he went.
“Not only is this a catastrophic loss for our team, but his wife Scilla and their children have suffered an even greater setback.” During this trying period, the entire Welsh rugby family extends its sincere condolences.
