The All Black responsible for the infamous stamp which ripped open JPR Williams’ face has spoken out on the incident, calling it unfortunate. Many would feel that is putting it somewhat lightly.
John Ashworth trampled on Williams during the Bridgend v New Zealand match at the Brewery Field in 1978, leaving the Welsh legend’s face an ugly mass of blood. Willliams' father Peter, a doctor, inserted 30 stitches in his son’s wounds before the full-back returned to the field of play. Steve Fenwick, a team-mate that day, later said his fellow international “looked like Frankenstein’s monster” after coming back onto the pitch, while there was also uproar at the post-match dinner when Peter Williams, who was giving a speech, drew attention to the incident, with 10 All Blacks walking out.
Now Ashworth has revisited one of rugby’s most notorious episodes. In an interview published with the New Zealand Herald the ex-prop and now vineyard owner turned back the clock to the incident which occurred on a rain-swept December day more than 43 years ago. According to Ashworth, no malice was intended.
