JPR Williams: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions player dies aged 74

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Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams has died at the age of 74, his former club Bridgend have announced.
Williams, known for his aggressive and attacking style as a player, won 55 caps for Wales and started all eight Tests on victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa three years later.
The Bridgend-born back was revered among fellow Wales greats like Sir Gareth Edwards and Gerald Davies and regarded as one of rugby union's finest players.
A statement from Bridgend, for whom Williams served as player and club president, read: "JPR's passing leaves a huge void at the club, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time."
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[@sanjaythakkar3376]

So so sad. As a young indian kid growing up in London who never played rugby, this guy more than anyone else made me a rugby fan. RIP.

[@redd605]

A few minutes ago on BBC website Barry John . passed away. A very sad few weeks to world and Wales rugby union

[@765ketyjo]

What a player. What a man. One side of his face drenched in blood playing for Bridgend against the all blacks sticks in my mind. He never batted an eye lid. Courageous and brave. And one of the lynchpins of the 71,74 tour's.The drop kick in the dying seconds from 45 metres,in 71 hardly ever had dropped a goal before was so incredible under pressure. But it summed up the magic of that lions team. I'm an Englishman and I adored the guy. He was for me the best ever full back. He had everything. Pace too, sound defensively. Yes it's a sad day. Particularly for his family and Wales on particular, but honestly, what a sportsman he truly was.

[@pauldurkee4764]

A brilliant and fearless rugby player. He was so instantly recognisable, socks turned down, long hair, sideburns and sometimes a headband. A man who was once the victim of disgraceful foul play, had the side of his face opened up, went off the field, had his face stitched up, and came back on. Rest in peace john, you have done Wales and the Lions proud.

[@paulrichards6894]

he was a great player

[@pauldurkee4764]

@@paulrichards6894 Not only that Paul, he possibly saved the life of Bob Burgess, the NZ outside half, who was knocked unconscious,swallowed his tongue and was changing colour, that was on the 71 lions tour.

[@zhongxina5016]

He stitched his own face up!

[@pauldurkee4764]

@@zhongxina5016 I thought it was his father, who was also a doctor. Since the wound was on the side of the face, it might have been a bit difficult to do that into a mirror, maybe someone from Bridgend will know which.

[@zhongxina5016]

@@pauldurkee4764 I just googled it and it was his father that stitched his face up- apologies! I was led to believe he did this himself.

[@bertie6358]

As an Englishman and an ex player not many events make be gasp out loud but this was one. In the 70s and early 80s I winced as England took to the field against Wales looking beaten before the kick off and most times we were at the final whistle. Supreme confidence, even arrogance, this man typified the Welsh aura of the time, and why wouldn’t he, a magnificent talent of this or any other generation. I saw him play at Cardiff Arms Park and am glad that I did. He would be beaten up on the field and then go about his job as a consultant surgeon the following week....what a player, what a man.....RIP.

[@KernowekTim]

JPR never lost to the English in any International Rugby games. Not many can say that.

[@eileenpritchard9154]

​@@KernowekTim Absolutely, we will miss all of them RIP you wonderful Welsh men GOD Bless.

[@touchingthecloth]

As an Englishman growing up watching Rugby in the 70's, I have absolutely no problem in saying JPR Williams was my favourite player of all time. Super brave, stylish and brilliantly skilful! Very Sadly missed!

[@jacksmalling4265]

What a compliment to the great man.

[@brentinnes5151]

If you picked a 70's world team, he is the fullback and thats all there is to it

[@Donwin-dy4yu]

Very sad to hear of this! I lost my father 2 years ago, who played for Scotland against JPR in the 70’s and occasionally at club level too. I met him, but I’m too young to remember. My dad always said, amongst the absolute greats of welsh rugby, that JPR and Phil Bennet were the standouts. Quite a compliment, amongst so many wonderful rugby players. Sad day for Wales and rugby. An utter legend of the game 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@m.dairyfarmer7878]

Lovely to hear you're tribute, Can i ask what's you're Dad's name?

[@pauljohnston3253]

RIP JPR one the game’s greats, huge respect from New Zealand

[@garytaylor2944]

A Warrior of Cymru. A Knight in another era. RIP JPR

[@keithedwards9337]

Of where?

[@lynnlewis1872]

R.I.P to a true legend of the best sport in wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@anglowarrior3871]

Without a doubt one of Britain's greatest ever rugby players,RIP JPR.

[@brentinnes5151]

cant argue about that

[@SupremeBros2012]

This is a sad day, JPR Williams and Franz Beckenbauer. JPR was indeed a hard bloke, one who breaks your bones and goes on to fix it. What a legend, sad to see him go. He was a young 74. Condolences to the Family, Welsh people and the Rugby family :(

[@billyg54]

Very sad. Great player. Key member of British Lions in NZ in 1971 when they won the series. Condolences to his family and Welsh and British rugby. From a NZ fan.

[@bumbleandprincess]

This man was such a threat to our team, every time he played us. His skills were unbelievable, he played with passion and he was a true gentleman both on and off the pitch. This was a time when my mighty All Blacks team were never certain of victory against wales and it was players like him and Gareth Edwards that even hardened NZ fans held in awe. Rest in Peace JPR, you were a true example of how the game should be played and a true role model for so many others who followed. Much Aroha (love & Respect) to your Whanau (family & friends) .............. safe journey my friend. Big Jim (New Zealand).

[@davidgreen6848]

A wonderful player for Bridgend, London Welsh, the Wales National Team and the British and Irish Lions 🦁 . I'm an Irish rugby fan but he would have walked into any international team in his pomp.That Wales team of the 1970s was a joy to watch....J.P.R. Rest in Peace 🌷🌷

[@rangidalglish4743]

Condolences from Aotearoa New Zealand. The greatest fullback of his generation. Watching this tough as nails man go toe to toe with the All Blacks brings found memories to mind. If not Christian Cullen. JPR would be my pick for my all time XV.

[@brentinnes5151]

As a little kid I watched all Lions games on tv in NZ 1971, knew all the Lions players who beat the All Blacks 2-1 and he was a real thorn in the side of our side..then with Wales and Barbarians v all Blacks in 70's he was real hero..godspeed mate!!

[@765ketyjo]

I'm 70 ,an Englishman and I so,so admired him as a player and equally as a man. He had everything in a full backs armoury . Fearless under the high ball, good handling skills,his acceleration and real pace coming into the line was sublime. Courageous and brave in equal measure. An absolutely crucial cog in the 71 and 74 lions.And,lest we forget played a real part in Gareth Edwards wonder try in 1973 in Cardiff. Offloading after a Brian Williams head tackle. Forget Serge blanko and the numerous other greats. He was peerless.

[@dnorfed]

JPR was my hero when I played rugby in the early 70’s, even playing the same position, I’d copy every thing he did to make me a better player, I barely dropped a ball in the 15 years I played, and broke into the line as this great player did many times, it was a new thing for full backs to do it. RIP JPR, another great player and legend who’s now with Benny so soon 😢😢🙏🙏

[@KernowekTim]

You forgot JJ.

[@MartinJG100]

He cut such a distinctive figure on the pitch with that huge physical presence and pigeon toed stride that I often thought he looked out of place at 15 compared with the the silky skills of Any Irvine, his old competitor and sparring partner in the Lions. That was, until you saw him in action with that deceptive speed, strength, balance and guile in attack and the indomitable brick wall defense under the high ball combined with some of the hardest tackling I have seen. It must have been tough for Irvine knowing that it was always going to be a hard task competing with JPR.

[@johanlamprecht5577]

I grew up hearing about the great JPR from the 1974 Lions that toured South Africa. I never saw him play was only 6 when they toured here and it was not shown on TV. But everybody spoke about this magical player decades after. I only saw how great he was through watching KZbin videos much later. Respect and condolences from South Africa.

[@mickymouse6285]

I am Munster supporter and I am 60 years old. I grew up with great memories of the brilliant Welsh team. JPR Williams was right up there as the best. I loved his speed. Great player. and a great loss to his family.

[@johnf991]

I watched JPR at Old Deer Park playing for London Welsh from 1968 to 1971 (after playing for my school in the morning): so many stories to tell. For example, I remember a game against Bristol. Dave Rollit, England No 8, prematurely grey and balding and a very hard man, was getting away with murder on the blind side of the ref. John Taylor attempted legal retribution by tackling him as hard as he could just in front of us on the half way line by the grandstand, but to no effect. Shortly afterwards, JPR fielded a kick to touch on the Bristol 10 yard line and sprinted back towards the Bristol line and very deliberately changed the direction of his run so that Rollit had to tackle him. JPR hit him as hard as he (legally) could and Rollit was knocked backwards, as if poleaxed, spreadeagled on the ground and, I kid you not, was twitching! The crowd went wild (in those days the crowds at London Welsh were exceptional), basically baying for blood! It was BRILLIANT!!!

[@seamusweber8298]

Rollit was as tough as teak. So one can only guess how tough Williams was. Great anecdote

[@leedavis6000]

Never lost to England JPR. A great player for wales and lions a great servant to British rugby. RIP

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

As a young Irish boy in early 1970’s I loved watching JPR.

[@bigoohwelshbear]

Very sad day! I hope there’s a lovely tribute at Wales v Scotland game in Feb.💔😢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@vincentdegennaro3375]

The word legend is bandied around, but for once JPR was and always will be a legend. I grew up in his era, and had the pleasure of watching him at Cardiff and Twickenham….. RIP

[@barneypaws4883]

I would say the vast majority of people in Wales knows the name JPR Williams. Wales' greatest ever full back without question and one of the all time greats of that superb Welsh side of the 1970's. One of the greats of the Lions as well on '71 and '74 tours. Can't believe he's gone. RIP JPR.

[@garyrobets6147]

JPR was such a big influence on me wanting to play rugby when I use to play for London Welsh Youth Side..Back in the early 70's

[@rorysullivan4913]

Sad news. Was privileged to have watched him play for the Lions on the tour of 1974 to South Africa. So many outstandingly talented Welshmen in that team. Remember it like yesterday.

[@andrewlloyd4702]

A true giant of the game, junior Wimbledon winner 1966, multi talented, and respected around the world. God broke the mould when he was born. Thankyou JPR... Rest in Peace. ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@guymacandrew5989]

One of the best FullBacks ever in the game!

[@711honved]

I had the chance to spend some time with JPR, in January 2022. What a brilliant player & a remarkable man! He turned out for his local rugby club 3rds, at over 50 years of age! He'll be missed!

[@terrywiseman]

A magnificent, outstanding player in an era that produced so many legends of the game.....thanks for the memories doc.

[@baldnutbaz]

RIP what a gift to rugby this man was.

[@leplessis8179]

I am lucky enough to have played against JPR at both rugby and tennis (junior wimbledon) both many years ago now. Yet another mate goine: I must be getting older. RIP.

[@FishingwithLukee]

This is a real tough one, what an incredible player and vital cog in the machine that dominated that era. Fearless and uncompromising. Rip John

[@stephenaddison2919]

R.I.P JPR Willams another Legend gone but will never be forgotten

[@robinperronjones5024]

Legendary full back for sure, for club, country and the Lions. Brilliant player to look up to for young upcoming players.

[@ClubRugbyWales]

The word is banded around all too often these days but in this case it couldn't be more true, Legend! RIP JPR ❤

[@iainhardie4117]

As a Scot at an English school in the 70s, I wanted to be JPR. Incredible player.

[@TheDiamond909]

What a legend JPR....truly one of the bravest men who ever lived

[@user-no4kz9zm4c]

One of the greatest players of all time Totally fearless and with a legendary skillset

[@markcheckley3715]

"Sport is for enjoyment, not for money". How utterly true, and how tragic that we have lost that vision. Dr. Williams was, firstly and foremostly, an orthopaedic surgeon. A wonderful Rugby player and all-round sportsman. Remembered by the world of Rugby Union Football as the absolute finest in his position during the amateur era, and possibly of all time. Very rightly so - there are hardly enough superlatives in the Dictionary adequately to describe his greatness. And yet ..... if his surgical skills, over the years, saved just one man's leg, just one child's arm, which would be the truly greater achievement, a saved limb or the 1971 drop-goal ?

[@fazertace6837]

RIP fella. Wonderful, skilled, rock hard full back. Prototype for the modern fullback.

[@paulrichards6894]

think he was an exciting player...... and granite i would call him

[@765ketyjo]

He was part of arguably the finest set of backs ever, not just in lion's history, but in history period. Gerald Davies on one wing, duckham or Bevan on the other.Edwards and Barry John, then the so underrated John Dawes, and Mike Gibson who the All Black's really really feared. And JPRs drop kick won the series from 45 yards won the series ultimately. Can't tell you how hard this has hit me. And I'm English for god's sake. That Welsh back line with the addition of duckham and Gibson had real stardust. Absolutely brilliant

[@duncanwilson5170]

Any true rugby fan of whatever nationality will find it hard to believe that the greatest 15 is no longer with us.

[@seanlewis9980]

Ì am 69 and crying as i type at herein of the sad news of JPR . There are no words to describe ,he was just blessed with unbelievable unbelievable talent .RÌP JPR

[@barrythomas9571]

What a player he was, strong and fearless, didn't take any prisoners, I was blessed and fortunate to play against him on a few occasions when he and I played walking rugby, you could tell even then that his brain was wired to play rugby the way he did.

[@genghisthegreat2034]

God rest his soul, a great, great player. Respect and condolences from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@davidpryce5079]

Memories of Saturday afternoons, BBC Sport, Bill McLaren . . . a sad day 😟

[@Anthony-iv6xl]

JPR William Thankyou God for This Great Welsh and Irish British Lion Rugby Union player.JPR William when you played Rugby it the reason Why Rugby is a game played in Heaven.God Bless you Sir and your Family Rest in Pease in The Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ,Amen.From Tony a kiwi bloke👍🙏👍

[@MrBOROLOYAL]

What a sad day two legends of sport passing away on the same day sincere condolences to both families 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇩🇪

[@suetaylor9928]

One of the greats in world sport. He was never be forgotten. So sad to hear that he’s gone.

[@saturdayplayer2492]

One of the true legends. Tough as nails, heart of a lion. Nobody came near to him.

[@waynethomas4728]

R.I.P. J.P.R. A legend, a true legend.

[@mandybabb2023]

Rip jpr one of the greatest player of all time🏈

[@English_Dawn]

R.I.P. Sympathies to family and friends! True Rugby legend.

[@virgil_tb2]

RIP JPR…True legend of Welsh and World Rugby. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@davidhoult4653]

RIP JPR. Great icon.Great Player and Human being. Loved to watch You and Wales back then. Entertaining Grafters. Never Forget🙏👏👌

[@765ketyjo]

Great man, great player. Fearless, courageous and a lionhearted man of legend. Forget Blanco and Cullen. This man set the standard. I'm English and so so admired him. He was quick and elusive in his prime. Played a major part in the Gareth Edwards barbarians try of the century too. Fending off the head high Brian Williams tackle. Feeling gutted. God knows how his family and the Welsh public are feeling losing such a wonderful man and sportsman.

[@walshjoseph7991]

Totally agree with you

[@frankford1115]

Chiselled out of granite, articulate and a doctor? What a man.

[@paulrichards6894]

forgot he was a doctor............

[@aledjones7064]

RIP JPR Will be graetly missed with the world of rugby and my thoughts are with his family and friends .

[@martin7955]

Ah god bless him rip from limerick ireland great player great man

[@jameslonsdale6113]

Did you know wales was a tiny country? Undoubtedly a great sportsman and an unbelievably talented human being.

[@anthonysmith9920]

Never held the oval ball in my life, however I watched Wales and British Lions in the 70s....and remembered JPR and his sideburns.....supported Wales even though I am an Englishman,,,,,,,,God bless JPR!

[@fitzerelli1]

I remember Watching him on black and white tv when I was a child tormenting Ireland in the 70s With his long hair and side burns scoring for fun Running rings around players he was a legendary player. May he rest in peace.

[@andremeyer863]

I remember him from the 1974 Springbok tour. He was a pain in the side for the Springbokke. I think they won 3 out of 4. It was quite painfull. R.I.P. JPR.

[@wobblertv8083]

The father of modern fullback play ...Hard as nails as well

[@user-pg7iq8zd5u]

He was and still is the GREATEST full back of all time!!

[@jaynelouise1969]

Met him a few times, what a Gentleman he was, I've even had several photos with him, which my daughter had put onto a couple of T-Shirts, R.I.P. Mr. Williams, you'll be thoroughly missed, and genuinely adored...

[@Clearlight201]

Fantastic eulogy of the great man. I'm proud to have played schoolboy rugby in Wales in that era and watched Wales play at the old Cardiff Arms Park - the singing around the ground was amazing. My favourite moments of JPR were his thumping tackles; he would come in at full speed like a missile and bang into the opponent without slowing down a bit. With JPR at full back you felt the game was safe due to his catching his kicking and his tackling!

[@JSC131]

My favourite welsh player hard as nails R.I.P a true great in my country Wales.

[@robertlevis3429]

What a player, I'm Irish and loved watching JPR ,fantastic athlete and fearless tough

[@BroderickMilton-dv2sp]

JP ahhh....wonderful player...1974 Lions in SA...salute

[@scott7008]

Possibly the best full back ever

[@gryffrees]

Absolutely gutted. An incredibly talented man who i watched when i was young. Terrible news 😢

[@minnietoby]

As an irfan all my life this guy stands out amongst the best players ever to play the game if not indeed the best RIP JPR

[@michaelcostigane552]

What a player ❤

[@MrBerry67]

Very sad day, a marvellous player for Wales and The Lions

[@robertmiller2173]

Regards to JPR and his family; he is no doubt one of the greatest Rugby Players of all time! Love from Otago New Zealand! John Peter Reece, thank you!

[@christopherjenkins8884]

Someone called Geraint calling Tondu Tondoo? Come on. RIP JPR

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

A great, great player.Loved to watch him play.

[@JF-kv1gm]

JPR...a teenage crush, I would watch Rugby in the early 70s with my brother who marvelled at that team's performances. Heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends and team-mates. 🙏😔🏉

[@barneyboy2008]

One of the greats. Respect from NZ.

[@richardredmond1463]

Saw him play in a sevens competition in Ireland in the late 1980s. Was still hard to stop.

[@jasonmcaleer7152]

Titan of the game. Loved by all. RIP

[@colingoode3702]

So sad to hear this. My wife had broken fingers repaired by JPR at Stanmore Orthopaedic hospital in the 80's. As has already been said he was a fearless Rugby player. Take a look at the video's of the Lions tour matches against South Africa with JPR. Unbelievable bravery before the game went professional.

[@stevehughes1510]

God bless him, what a great player, such a joy to watch him here in NZ. Condolences to JPRs family. Rest in peace.

[@paulhughes1028]

A fearless Welsh Warrior can’t believe he Is gone RIP JPR

[@KPP365]

Legend, Gentlemen, RIP JPR,

[@roathripper]

no footage of him in his prime? get your wallet out for this legend!!

[@gwilymdavies7757]

One of the greats 😢 r.i.p

[@standelone1674]

Firstly although I am an englishman,I cannot tell you of my sadness and respect for a hero of my early rugby days,JPR my hero

[@garethwatkins6347]

We've lost a true legend today - RIP JPR ❤❤❤❤❤

[@rikiwikeepa4684]

The Best by along shot he feared nobody I am so privileged to have seen him playing on tv RIP Haere Ra legend 👍🏾

[@user-kw9ul8bu1l]

We have lost so many greats of sport who had a great influence on youngsters throughout the world rip all of you

[@ruca9528]

It was the trademark sideburns and the long hair that did it for me. But Lord,how he could play rugby. There ,goes a man.

[@johncourtneidge]

Thank-you! Video highlights would be appreciated.

[@bruceedwards10]

God bless him ' one of the best rugby players i had the privilege to watch growing up in the 70s ,

[@roderickherbert7233]

A FANTASTIC PLAYER......AT THE SAME TIME HE WAS A GENTLEMAN ON THE FIELD........THE WELSH BOYO S HAD A A GREAT SIDE IN THE 1970S.........CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY......WHAT AGREAT SPORTSMAN......

[@seajay09]

A truly wonderful player. However, he played for the British Lions, not the British and Irish Lions, the new team title only came into use in 2001.