Sport

Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams dies

10:51 am on 9 January 2024

JPR Williams was a part of the 1971 Lions tour of New Zealand Photo: Photosport

Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams has died at the age of 74.

The former London Welsh, Bridgend and Barbarians full-back was synonymous with Wales and the Lions' glories of the 1970s.

Williams captained Wales and Bridgend, winning 55 caps for his country.

During historic triumphant Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in South Africa, Williams accumulated eight Test caps.

A bloodied Williams was forced to leave the field while playing for Bridgend against the All Blacks in 1978 after being stamped on by New Zealand prop John Ashworth.

Williams' passing was announced by Bridgend Ravens - formerly known as Bridgend - on social media.

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

A bloodied JPR Williams Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"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."

Former Wales captain Jonathan Davies has described Williams as "absolute legend".

"Not many people can go by their initial and he was known as JPR," Davies told BBC 5 Live sport.

"I remember watching him growing up. He was an absolute rock in defence with the tackles he made.

"If you wanted anybody behind you at full-back, I could not think of anybody better.

"When he was with the 1974 Lions in South Africa, when the fights broke out, he kept running in from full-back to punch the forwards. He was perhaps the most competitive bloke I have ever come across.

"He was ferociously competitive. It is very sad, he was just a great rugby player and an incredible character.

"Whenever you mention who were the greatest full-backs in any era, you hear about the greats like Serge Blanco and Christian Cullen, JPR is always in the mix."

This story first appeared on the BBC