Tributes pour in after death of Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams aged 74

ITV Cymru Wales journalist Will Hardy reports.

The world of rugby is paying tribute to one of the "greatest players of all time", after the death of Welsh legend JPR Williams at the age of 74.

John Peter Rhys Williams - known affectionately as JPR - played a significant part in the heyday of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, earning 55 caps for his country and eight for the British and Irish Lions across two tours.

The full-back had a pivotal role to play as Wales won numerous Grand Slams and Triple Crowns.

Affectionately known as JPR, Williams was renowned for his fearsome defence and dynamic attack. Credit: PA Images

He had a worldwide reputation for his formidable defensive work, safety under a high ball and attacking ability, being one of a select few Welshmen to win three Grand Slams.

A statement from his family, confirming the news, 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. The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

Reacting to the news, his club side Bridgend Ravens said on X (formerly twitter) they were "devastated" by his passing.They described him as "one of Bridgend's most decorated players and an icon of World rugby".

The club added: "Our thoughts are with JPR's family and friends at this sad time."

Williams was instantly recognisable thanks to his distinct running style, low socks and long sideburns.

He excelled as he played alongside fellow household names such as Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Phil Bennett and Gerald Davies.

Among those to pay tribute was fellow Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies.

He said: "Another legend goes too early."

World Rugby described him as "One of the greatest players the game has ever seen" and said he "leaves behind an incredible legacy."

JPR Williams received an MBE for services to rugby in 1977. Credit: PA Images

Selected for the 1971 Lions tour of New Zealand, Williams played a major role, scoring a decisive drop-goal in the final game. It earned the team a 14-14 draw after the 80 minutes and ensured a 2-1 series win - a feat not replicated by a touring Lions side against the All Blacks since.

His other Lions tour, of South Africa, also ended in victory.

He also had a remarkable record for Wales against England, not losing across his 10 tests against them.

As well as gracing the rugby field, Williams went on to have a successful career as an orthopaedic surgeon. Credit: Media Wales

WRU President Terry Cobner, who played alongside Williams in the 1976 and 1978 Grand Slam campaigns, as well as the 1977 Triple Crown season, said: “The world of rugby has lost one of its greatest players of all time, a man who revolutionised full back play over an international career of 12 years that included 55 caps for Wales and eight for the British & Irish Lions."

He added: “He was the defensive rock in every team in which he played, the counter-attacking inspiration and the man who feared nothing and never saw a lost cause. We all thought he was ‘Mr Indestructible’.

“Although he played during the amateur era, he was thoroughly professional in his sporting outlook and always drove standards in training and on the field.

"With JPR in your side, there was always a chance of winning anything.”

Despite retiring from international rugby in 1981, such was his love for the game, he continued to play village rugby for Tondu, often in the back row, until 2003.

Following the news of his death, the club paid tribute on social media, describing him as "one of our game's greatest players."

It could have been very different though, with his natural athletic ability shining through at a young age as he excelled as a junior tennis player.

He won a British junior competition at the All England Club, beating then-future Great Britain Davis Cup captain David Lloyd in the process.

Despite retiring from international rugby in the early 1980s, he continued to play at village level until 2003. Credit: Media Wales

Away from rugby, he forged a successful career as an orthopaedic surgeon, having studied medicine at St Mary’s in Paddington after being a pupil at the prestigious Millfield School in Somerset.

While training in Paddington, he played for London Welsh, where he was scouted by the Wales national team.

In his 2007 autobiography, Williams said: “I used to say that I spent half my life breaking bones on the rugby field, then the other half putting them back together in the operating theatre."

The 74-year-old also did a lot for charity, raising a six-figure sum by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

He was married to wife Scilla, with whom he had four children, and lived in the Vale of Glamorgan.

He was appointed MBE for services to rugby in 1977.

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