Welsh rugby has lost another iconic legend of the 1970s when JPR Williams died aged 74.
The full-back won 55 caps for his country and also played eight Test matches for the British and Irish Lions and was a key member of the Wales side that won three of eight seasons between 1971 and 1978. Five Nations Grand Slam.
Even half a century later, there is still no abbreviation more famous in global rugby than JPR, with only the most ardent fans knowing it stands for John Peter Rhys. The wider public is more familiar with his trademark sideburns, rolled up socks and no-nonsense style of play, which perfectly complemented the playmaking skills of illustrious team-mates such as Barry John, Gareth Edwards and Phil Bennett.
As well as captaining Wells five times, Williams is credited with changing the perception of the full-back role. Strong, direct, loyal and athletic, he made his debut for Wales in 1969 at the age of 19, and two years later became a starting defender for the Lions Test in New Zealand. He started every Test in the Lions’ historic series victory and scored a crucial long-range goal in the fourth and final Test, which ended in a 14-14 draw.
Williams also visited South Africa in 1974, but did not join the 1977 tour of New Zealand after being advised to focus on his “other” career as an orthopedic surgeon. At club level he played for London Wells and Bridgend, before being infamously marked on his face by All Blacks John Ashworth in 1978. And suffer. The cut on his cheek required 30 stitches, administered by his father on the sideline, but Williams returned and finished the game. His other claims to fame include a remarkable record against England. In 10 Tests for Wales against them, he was never on the losing side and scored five tries.
Williams eventually retired from international rugby in 1981 to concentrate on his career as a surgeon, but continued to play for Tondu over the years. A man of many talents, he was also a successful tennis player in his youth, winning the British Junior Championship defeating David Lloyd in the 1966 Wimbledon final. He gave up tennis in favor of the amateur sport of rugby because it allowed him to further his medical career as an orthopedic surgeon.
The tributes to the man popularly known as JPR – to distinguish him from his Wales and Lions team-mate JJ Williams – were initiated by his former club. “Bridgend Crows are deeply saddened to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said in a statement on social media. “JPR was one of Bridgend’s most decorated players and an icon in world rugby, most recently serving as club chairman. Our thoughts are with JPR’s family and friends at this sad time.”
He played for the Barbarians in the famous 1973 match against New Zealand in Cardiff and described him as “a man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club”. His former Lions captain and current World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont also paid rich tributes. “We have lost a true giant of the game. A legend of Wales and Lions during an incredible era in Welsh rugby.”
A statement from the Williams family said: “JPR passed away peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales, surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a brief illness and courageous battle with bacterial meningitis. Struggle. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
