Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams has died at the age of 74.
Williams, a fearless player known for his aggressive and attacking style, won 55 Wales caps and started all eight Tests on victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa three years later.
He was revered among fellow Wales greats like Sir Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett and Gerald Davies, and regarded as one of rugby union’s finest players.
His death was announced by Bridgend Ravens, a club that Williams served as a player and club president.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said in a statement on their website.
One of the greatest ever Lions.
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 8, 2024
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
Rest in peace JPR Williams - one of the greatest the game has seen.
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 8, 2024
Our thoughts are with all his family and friends at this truly sad time ♥️ pic.twitter.com/02gytOcxcN
One of the greatest players the game has ever seen 🏉
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) January 8, 2024
JPR Williams leaves behind an incredible legacy
All our thoughts are with his family and friends ❤️ pic.twitter.com/t4W21ArMeg
🗨️The world of rugby has lost one of its greatest players of all time...
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 8, 2024
WRU President Terry Cobner leads the tributes to JPR Williams #RIP #JPRWilliamshttps://t.co/hcw8bTwMcv
Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams.
— Bridgend Ravens (@bridgendravens) January 8, 2024
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 💙
🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/gUqFuhPWg0
“An icon of the world game, John Peter Rhys Williams served Bridgend Ravens as a player and most recently as club president.
“He was capped 55 times for Wales and made eight Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.
“Highlights of his illustrious career included winning two Schweppes Cup titles with Bridgend in 1979 and 1980, and three (Five Nations) Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978 for Wales.
“Following his retirement from the game, JPR became a key figure of the club’s administrative team, serving as Bridgend Ravens club president – a role he held until his passing.
“JPR’s passing leaves a huge void at the club, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.”
