JPR Williams passes away (1949 - (2024)) (Wales) - BBC News - 9/Jan/2024

Wales rugby legend JPR Williams has died aged 74 after a short illness, his family have confirmed.
Part of the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, Williams was capped 55 times for his country and represented the British & Irish Lions on eight occasions on two tours.
He captained Wales and played a significant part in a succession of Grand Slams and Triple Crowns in the heyday of Welsh rugby. The full-back was instantly recognisable, with a distinct running style, socks around his ankles and long sideburns to boot.
In a statement provided to the BBC, the family said: "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.
His birthday was last March on the 2nd (2023)
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Wikipedia:
John Peter Rhys Williams MBE FRCS was a Welsh rugby union player who represented Wales in international rugby during their Golden Era in the 1970s. He became known universally as J. P. R. Williams 4 years after his Welsh debut, in 1973 when J. J. Williams joined the Welsh team.

[@hunterluxton5976]

I thought he would live forvever. He was the Bjorn Borg of rugby, with a swashbuckling manner, a stylish, and noble presence. A great Welshman. He oozed charisma.

[@thomasharrison72]

A man of massive character, Welsh hero, RIP JPR

[@richardyoung7415]

The word LEGEND is used far too freely these days but in this moment it is exactly the right word, J P R WILLIAMS WAS IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A LEGEND TO US WELSHMEN AND WOMEN, RIP MR WILLIAMS MAY THE GODS OF SPORT QUIVER IN THEIR BOOTS WHEN THEY SEE WHO HAS COME TO PLAY AGAINST THEM. PEACE AND LOVE TO YOU ALL MY FRIEND'S. ✌️😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@freebeing0858]

If one closes one's eyes and recalls JPR in action, in the 'mind's eye', through the mists of time, it all comes vividly flooding back. The leap, the catch, the sideboards, the seemingly obligatory opposition stiff arm to the head and yet, undaunted and apparently invulnerable, JPR just ploughed on. The side step, the socks rolled down, the inimitable gait, part athlete, part warrior, wholly immortal. I have never seen a player possessed of greater courage and fortitude than the iconic Welshman, the heart of a lion. One felt if the opposing pack of forwards had been a machine gun nest, then JPR would have charged single-handed into their midst, with total disregard for life or limb. Such a player must have seemed indomitable to his opponents and so, in the shadow of his untimely passing, a toast to the greatest Lion of them all, JPR.

[@trevorcook9680]

People talk about his courage heart of a lion but his side step & timing of a pass and awareness of what was around him are only possessed by the truly great players. An English full of admiration

[@richardyoung7415]

@@trevorcook9680 CHEERS ENGLISHMAN FROM A PROUD TAFF. PEACE TO YOU ALL MY FRIEND'S. ✌️😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@stevekenney2804]

A true British Lion!

[@jessesands4099]

RIP JPR Williams 1949-2024! One Of The Finest Rugby Players Ever For Wales Starred In Their Golden Era From 1969 To 1979! Will Forever Be Remembered!😔🙏🌹🏉🏟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@user-tz2db1vw7r]

An absolute legend

[@ianhawdon3680]

SIMPLY THE BEST FULLBACK OF MY GENERATION RIP MATE

[@markjones464]

I a Aussie , my parents Were Welsh , They left Wales for Australia just After WW2 , they were always home Sick and 48 Years ago , they went Back to Wales , I became a Little Welsh Man for two Years , I got To Experience the Marvellous Welsh team , Wonderful memories Well after two Years Dad and Mum Realised 3 of us boys were Homesick And Bloody Cold , wood return back Home , they Decided to come back To Australia for the Family , well there Dead now , and most of Uncle and Aunty in Wales , Wonderful memories Interested the Day before we left Wales My Brother Broke his Arm , Guess who Fixed it Dr JPR Williams , small world Rest in Peace JPR 🙏 Gone but not Forgotten

[@markjones464]

Ps Got Caught up with memories , The point I ment to say was , you are Right he was the Best of his Generation I don't like Debates best of all time To many insults towards JPR , but he Must been good when a Aussie adopted him , love you JPR Cheers 🍻

[@Mrfairchap]

Blimey! I didn't even know he had died. It's sad.