Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Wales and British and Irish Lions legend JPR Williams dies aged 74

Former Welsh rugby union player John Peter Rhys J.P.R. Williams gestures at the Centre Court's Royal Box, on the sixth day of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 8, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Wales legend JPR Williams has passed away, aged 74.

Williams had a storied career for not just club and country, but for the British and Irish Lions, with whom he won eight Test caps on successful tours of New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974.

A former Wales captain, Williams was influential in one of the country’s finest rugby eras, winning successive Grand Slams and Triple Crowns.

The former fullback was appointed MBE in 1977 for services to rugby. A post by Williams’ former club, Bridgend Ravens, confirmed the news late Monday evening.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” they said.

“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.”

A true icon of 1970s rugby, Williams was also an orthopaedic surgeon and had four children with his wife, Scilla.

In a statement provided to the BBC, the 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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
N
Nigel 351 days ago

A true great of the game. RIP.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

A
Another 8 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

28 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING World Rugby U20 Championship: The RugbyPass team of the tournament World Rugby U20 Championship: The RugbyPass team of the tournament
Search