Rugby mourns the passing of Wales and British & Irish Lions legend JPR Williams
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams.
Tributes have been pouring in for former Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams, who died on Monday at the age of 74 after a short illness.
John Peter Rhys Williams – known simply as JPR – was renowned for his aggressive and attacking style of play and made 55 Test appearances for Wales between 1969 and 1981. He also started all eight Tests for the Lions on their victorious tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974.
Highly rated
An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Williams was widely regarded as one of rugby union’s finest players and revered among fellow Wales legends like Sir Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett and Gerald Davies.
His passing was announced by Bridgend Ravens Rugby Football Club, who Williams represented as a player and also served as club president.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said in a statement on their 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 request privacy at this difficult time.”
Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams.
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 💙
— Bridgend Ravens (@bridgendravens) January 8, 2024
Plenty of tributes
The Welsh Rugby Union led the tributes to Williams on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling him one of rugby’s “greatest players of all time.”
🗨️The world of rugby has lost one of its greatest players of all time…
WRU President Terry Cobner leads the tributes to JPR Williams #RIP #JPRWilliamshttps://t.co/hcw8bTwMcv
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 8, 2024
The British & Irish Lions hailed him as “One of the greatest ever Lions.”
One of the greatest ever Lions.
A man who inspired so many.
It is with huge sadness to learn that JPR Williams has passed away at the age of 74.
All our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/9hVwe9dlOS
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 8, 2024
The BBC also paid tribute to Williams and described him as “a true legend of the game.”
A true legend of the game. 🏉
Take a look back at five memorable moments in the career of JPR Williams ⬇️#BBCRugby #JPRWilliams pic.twitter.com/XENdx6dIWS
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) January 8, 2024
World Rugby also posted on X and called Williams “One of the greatest players the game has ever seen.”
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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/t4W21ArMeg
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) January 8, 2024
Meanwhile, former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts called Williams an “icon” in his tribute.
JPR
An icon for @WelshRugbyUnion @lionsofficial & @Barbarian_FC
An inspiration and role model for the rugby-medical fraternity
Diolch 🏴
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) January 8, 2024
And the Barbarians also paid homage to Williams by saying: “Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greats.”
Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greats.
A man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club.
Rest in Peace, JPR.
⚫️⚪️⚫️ https://t.co/zVyYZtUcUQ
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) January 8, 2024
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