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
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.”
