daniel chigunwe
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.”
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 British & Irish Lions hailed him as “One of the greatest ever Lions”.
The BBC also paid tribute to Williams and described him as “a true legend of the game.”
World Rugby also posted on X and called Williams “One of the greatest players the game has ever seen.”
Meanwhile, former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts called Williams an “icon” in his tribute.
And the Barbarians also paid homage to Williams by saying: “Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greats.” — planetrugby.com
Online Reporter