customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

summary

updatedDate

knowledgeQuestion

disableOffPlatformContent

published

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Agence France-Presse

Rugby paid tribute to one of the sport’s greatest ever players after former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams died at the age of 74.
A three-time Five Nations Grand Slam winner with his country, he also boasted an unbeaten record in eight Tests as a Lion in historic triumphant tours to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in South Africa.
He later went on to become a surgeon and served as Bridgend’s club president until his passing.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” his former club said in a statement.
“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.”

Williams’ family then said in a statement to the BBC: “JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales [in Cardiff] surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis. The family request privacy at this difficult time.”
Williams made his Wales debut against Scotland in 1969, with his last of his 55 international caps coming against the same opponents at Murrayfield 12 years later.
A star performer during Welsh rugby’s 1970s golden era, he was a fearless defender in addition to his attacking panache.
He scored the decisive drop goal that secured the Lions only ever series triumph over the All Blacks in 1971.
Williams was equally prominent on the unbeaten 1974 South Africa tour, which the Lions took with three wins and a draw.
“One of the greatest ever Lions,” the Lions posted on X. “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.”
He also starred for the Barbarians in their unforgettable 23-11 victory over New Zealand in 1973, touching down in a game chiefly remembered for Gareth Edwards’ spectacular touchdown that completed a breathtaking length-of-the-field move.
At club level, his career included an eight-year stint at London Welsh, when the Exiles were a major force in British rugby.
“All at London Welsh RFC are deeply saddened by the news this evening that rugby legend JPR Williams has passed away,” the club said.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends, colleagues and family. A huge loss to all who knew and loved him.”
Also a talented cricketer and tennis player, Williams was made an MBE for his contribution to rugby.
And he continued playing into his early 50s, lining up for village club Tondu before finally calling it a day in 2003.
World Rugby posted on X: “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.”


International rugby residency ruling may give Hong Kong options on pathway to World Cup

Rugby World Cup qualification changes ‘a huge opportunity’ for Hong Kong, officials say

Taiwan rugby eyes return to glory days and challenging Asia’s elite with Unions Cup in Singapore next month

5 of the world’s richest rugby players in 2024 – net worths, ranked: from legends like Sonny Bill Williams, Jonny Wilkinson and Mike Tindall who married into the royal family, to 30-year-old Handré Pollard

World Rugby

Wales and British Lions legend JPR Williams dies aged 74

Former Wales and British Lions full-back JPR Williams has died at the age of 74. Photo: AFP

British Lions winger JPR Williams gets his foot to the ball despite the efforts of Springbok Chris Pope in the test match at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, on June 22, 1974. Photo: AP

Hong Kong Sevens 2024 ticket sales pass 65 per cent of capacity as organisers target sell-out for stadium’s farewell

The Sevens will bid farewell to Hong Kong Stadium after the next tournament in April. Photo: Winson Wong

Fans will fill the South Stand for one more Sevens before the tournament relocates. Photo: Roy Issa

Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards: who shone brightest at Asian Games – gold-medal rugby sevens team or history-making footballers?

Hong Kong’s men’s rugby sevens players step on to the podium in Hangzhou after winning a second successive Asian Games gold. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong’s players are ecstatic after their shock win over Iran in the Asian Games quarter-finals. Photo: Dickson Lee

Local athletes attend the Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards launch. Photo: Mike Chan

Sport

Rugby

Considered one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Williams was a member of Wales’ golden generation in the 1970s
A surgeon away from rugby, he continued playing the game into his 50s and only stopped in 2003


Considered one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Williams was a member of Wales’ golden generation in the 1970s.


Wales and British Lions legend JPR Williams dies aged 74

Considered one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Williams was a member of Wales’ golden generation in the 1970s A surgeon away from rugby, he continued playing the game into his 50s and only stopped in 2003

Considered one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Williams was a member of Wales’ golden generation in the 1970s

A surgeon away from rugby, he continued playing the game into his 50s and only stopped in 2003