JPR Williams, the legendary Welsh rugby full-back, has died at the age of 74. His former club, Bridgend, where he served as Club President, announced the news, marking the loss of one of the sport's most iconic figures. Williams was renowned for his aggressive and attacking style of play, earning 55 caps for Wales and captaining the side. He also played a pivotal role in the British and Irish Lions' victorious tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974, starting all eight Tests. His contributions to the sport were not limited to his playing days; he was also a respected orthopedic surgeon. Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world, with fans, former players, and colleagues remembering him as a fearless competitor and a true gentleman of the game. His legacy includes his part in the 'try to end all tries', his indelible impact on the golden era of Welsh rugby during the 1970s, and a memorable moment when he shoulder-tacked a 20 stone NZ prop during the 1971 Lions test. Additionally, Williams was the British Junior tennis champion, famously beating David Lloyd 6-4, 6-4.
🏉@simonrug pays tribute to Welsh rugby icon JPR Williams, who sadly died on Monday after a short illness https://t.co/loLRYSeIsF
🦁🏴 A wonderful tribute feature on Lions and Wales legend JPR Williams. 🗞️ READ: https://t.co/fZJjMCXMME https://t.co/rVMIjl8xX0
"He was the competitor of competitors" World Rugby Chairman, @BillBeaumont and @skysarahjane remember the Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams, who died at the age of 74 Latest: https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/bGms6dV2nK
"JPR Williams gone? He can’t be – I thought my hero was immortal" The full back was part of a pantheon of Welsh players who were invincible to a generation. His charging runs and thunderous tackles will live on Tap for @stephenjones9's tribute ⬇️ https://t.co/deTCl9taPU
Different era : JPR Williams, rugby legend of course, bearer of the 20th century’s greatest sideburns and also - orthopaedic surgeon. RIP.
🏴 The Prince of Wales pays tribute to Lions and Wales legend JPR Williams. https://t.co/rR7h0I4CDf
Here's my tribute to JPR Williams, including a wonderful contribution from his former team-mate and close friend John Taylor. A sad piece to write, but also a chance to acknowledge a true legend of the game. 👉https://t.co/Q9lLV0iaNF
🏉@simonrug pays tribute to Welsh rugby icon JPR Williams, who sadly died on Monday after a short illness 👉https://t.co/loLRYSeIsF https://t.co/2sVj9Crr6B
🗣️ "He represented the values of courage, of fun, of respect and of belief." 🦁🏴 A wonderful tribute feature on Lions and Wales legend JPR Williams. ✍️ @jameswhile https://t.co/HrU4wUAlze
🏉 "It was probably my greatest achievement." The late great JPR Williams recalls one of the greatest achievements of his career, the 1971 Lions tour, on Slammed in 2021. #BBCRugby #JPRWilliams https://t.co/kNxFrAVWbP
Rugby paid tribute to one of the sport's greatest ever players after former Wales and British & Irish Lions fullback JPR Williams died at the age of 74 on Monday. https://t.co/ewC2F9Mld7
🗣️ "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." 🏴🦁 Tributes pour in for Wales and British & Irish Lions legend JPR Williams. https://t.co/amTIjzILB3
Saddened to hear the news of JPR's passing last night, he was an icon of the game and a true legend of Welsh Rugby. https://t.co/n5gRDg9ooW
Rest in peace JPR Williams - a true icon of Welsh rugby - and also a great of the Barbarians and Lions teams. Fantastic footage here of his 1976 Grand Slam tries against England via @SixNationsRugby #RIP #JPRWilliams https://t.co/ZtTcVxlhS2
One of rugby's all time greats, it is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of JPR Williams. The instantly recognisable full-back won 55 caps for Wales, captaining his country and representing the British & Irish Lions eight times over two tours. Rest in peace. https://t.co/MsrsFAxkxH
JPR Williams obituary: The Wales and Lions full-back who never took a backward step https://t.co/nmhyB3hqeX
Tributes pour in after death of Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams https://t.co/evnB7f2gem
One of the very greatest. Wherever in the world you travelled for rugby 🏉. They would always mention the 70s golden era of welsh rugby, and the few names that were always mentioned, JPR was always one of them. RIP and condolences to all the family. https://t.co/dsU7qBxiVw
JPR Williams, 🏴 and 🦁 legend and fearless to the end. My piece on a rugby great’s passing for @MailSport: https://t.co/1ldn3LJ8wt
A wonderfully warm tribute from the great Gerald Davies to rugby legend #JPRWilliams #r4today. The thrill of seeing them play for Wales is one of my most glorious childhood memories. 🏴
We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of JPR Williams. Our thoughts are with JPR’s family and friends. https://t.co/RJmJOEu9R1
Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams has died aged 74, his former club has announced. Read more 🔗 https://t.co/8ybQxJjPQz
JPR Williams, a star performer during Welsh rugby’s 1970s golden era, dies at 74 https://t.co/tsjIczYTsh
I never played rugby (either code) I was a footy fan. But some people transcend sport . JPR was known by everyone, no matter your sport or where you lived. What a player, he brought so much to rugby but also touched so many supporters of other sports. Thanks for the memories pal https://t.co/oTo5nBL981
Former Wales rugby legend JPR Williams dies aged 74 https://t.co/DrbRyprgHy
‘JPR Williams had sixth sense for danger, which he often sought out’ @sjamesjourno salutes a rugby legend, who combined a dazzling sporting career with his working life as a surgeon Tap for the full story ⬇️ https://t.co/7OYfDsLHcS
Sad to hear of the death of JPR Williams, he made two appearances at Bramley Road; for an International XV after the death of Brian Goodchild and in the 1972 cup semifinal with London Welsh. https://t.co/pw24GT8lYj
One of the greats of Welsh and World rugby......so sad to see another legend of our great game pass away RIP JPR ❤️❤️ https://t.co/KUFWYUrmzc
Wales and Lions rugby legend JPR Williams dies aged 74 as tributes pour in for ‘true great’ https://t.co/zWCxOi3TZJ https://t.co/zWCxOi3TZJ
A true legend of the game. 🏉 Take a look back at five memorable moments in the career of JPR Williams ⬇️ #BBCRugby #JPRWilliams https://t.co/XENdx6dIWS
With the sad news of the passing of JPR Williams, let's celebrate a true icon of Welsh and global rugby – our thoughts are with his family and friends https://t.co/sALnJCCqcC
One of the greatest players the game has ever seen 🏉 JPR Williams leaves behind an incredible legacy All our thoughts are with his family and friends ❤️ https://t.co/t4W21ArMeg
Rest in peace, JPR Williams. https://t.co/mq28phSRxP
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams has died at the age of 74 Known for his aggressive and attacking style as a player, won 55 caps for Wales and started all 8 Tests on victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa 3 years later https://t.co/yQxUTpQQgl
JPR Williams: Wales and British & Irish Lions great dies aged 74 Full back won three grand slams with Wales in 1970s and toured to South Africa and New Zealand with the Lions Tap for the full story ⬇️ https://t.co/dXbCsYxtQt
JPR is one of those players that everyone respected & admired. One that later generations would wish they had met & seen in person - certainly in my case. The tributes from all corners of the rugby globe pouring in a fitting way to tribute the mark he made on the rugby world.
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of JPR Williams. An iconic fullback who played a pivotal role in the golden era of Welsh rugby during the 1970s, earning 55 caps for his country and representing the British & Irish Lions on eight occasions across two tours.… https://t.co/9Par8sR7Lx
Welsh icon JPR Williams passes away. The former full back was also part of two victorious tours for the British and Irish Lions. https://t.co/CArm83DctZ
JPR Williams, Wales and Lions rugby union great, dies aged 74 https://t.co/BOUeR6AQYG
🚨Breaking News🚨 Rugby Union legend Dr JPR Williams has sadly died. He played for Bridgend, London Welsh & Tondu, Wales & British & Irish Lions He won 55 caps for Wales, 5 as captain & 8 for the Lions. He also was British Junior tennis champion beating David Lloyd 6-4, 6-4. https://t.co/MnoLZkYoxH
JPR Williams was on the receiving end of one of the most violent acts committed by the All Blacks. His own father put 30 stitches in his face and he returned to the field of play. RIP https://t.co/LvvpjthQ51
Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams has sadly died at the age of 74 https://t.co/d6pfxh24Df
Very sad news - true Lions and Wales legend. Thoughts with all his family and friends. RIP JPR. https://t.co/YuEeQqAzXZ
Wales rugby legend JPR Williams dies as tributes pour in https://t.co/skz1KJ60cb
RIP JPR Williams. JPR was a true legend of Welsh Rugby @WelshRugbyUnion who entertained many thousands of people. He was a lovely man who I was delighted to meet and chat to. My thoughts are with his family and friends. https://t.co/bR8S9ZQIoJ
Wales rugby legend JPR Williams - who was part of historic triumphant Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in South Africa - dies aged 74 https://t.co/TwGMwFZKq7 https://t.co/itUJcd7ers
One of the greatest ever Lions. A man who inspired so many. It is with huge sadness to learn that JPR Williams has passed away at the age of 74. All our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in Peace. https://t.co/9hVwe9dlOS
Thoughts with the family & friends of iconic Wales fullback JPR Williams who has sadly passed away aged 74. https://t.co/9a7wqbIWFn
JPR Williams won 55 Wales caps and started all eight Tests on victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa three years later https://t.co/TwxCzzg0D8
Rest in peace JPR Williams - one of the greatest the game has seen. Our thoughts are with all his family and friends at this truly sad time ♥️ https://t.co/02gytOcxcN
This is very sad news. #JPR really was a rugby icon. Fearless, focussed and a phenomenally gifted player and leader. A member of that great club of Welsh rugby medics that still continues today in the professional era. Thank you JPR for giving so many of us so much pleasure. RIP https://t.co/zpa1eqM2Ny
Wales and England rugby legend JPR Williams dies as tributes pour in https://t.co/skz1KJ60cb
Wales rugby legend JPR Williams dies aged 74 https://t.co/jarR38RXEo
Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greats. A man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club. Rest in Peace, JPR. ⚫️⚪️⚫️ https://t.co/zVyYZtUcUQ
Very sad. Grew up hearing stories from my Dad and Grandad about JPR and the Wales team of the 70s. Genuine legend https://t.co/ZBooGcVbmG
All at London Welsh RFC are deeply saddened by the news this evening that rugby legend JPR Williams has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends, colleagues and family. A huge loss to all who knew and loved him. https://t.co/7PNPsKd3e2
A legend of the game and an icon of Wales has left us. We will never see the likes of him again. An astonishing legacy to rugby, not just in Wales, but across the world. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/atXFmNDHvZ
JPR Williams, one of Wales and the British and Irish Lions’ greatest full-backs, has died aged 74 #TelegraphRugby
RIP JPR Williams Some player! https://t.co/sxinpZYukJ
When JPR shoulder-tacked the 20 stone NZ prop into touch in the 1971 Lions test. As no less than Colin Meads said, he almost fckg killed him. #legend #RIP
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams has died at the age of 74 https://t.co/SrVcFyGbs6
RIP JPR One of the true greats to grace our game. Changed the way the game is played and will forever be remembered for his involvement in the try to end all tries.
Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams has died at the age of 74. Our thoughts are with his family and friends❤️ https://t.co/O2R6q11TUy
He strode the rugby fields of the world like an indescribable Colossus. JPR’s passing has knocked me for six. My deepest sympathy to Cilla and the family. https://t.co/GbbxqXPrpR
A true legend and gentleman. RiP JPR..... https://t.co/19GFy7ggln
BREAKING: Wales rugby legend JPR Williams dies aged 74 Read more🔗 https://t.co/KXaa60MC7A
JPR Williams: Wales and British and Irish Lions legend dies aged 74 https://t.co/NhtypT8D2p
Wales and Lions legend JPR Williams dies https://t.co/2giszP8sXt
RIP to JPR Williams, one of rugby's most fearless. https://t.co/gO5YX88NEQ
This is sad news and the loss of an icon. I once spent a Wales 6 nations match in a pub in Tenby with JPR. His commentary and insight was better than anything provided officially on the telly. A giant of a man and of the game. Sending love to all who knew him 💙 https://t.co/rt7lQEvfla
#Breaking Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back JPR Williams has died at the age of 74, his former club Bridgend have announced https://t.co/OxIzCIyBVo
Very sad to hear of the passing of JPR…. An absolute legend of the game….. Thoughts and deepest condolences to Cilla and all the family at this difficult time. 🙏 RIP JPR… https://t.co/1Q5SfFMgWT
An icon, a hero, a legend of Welsh rugby. Thoughts with his friends and family. https://t.co/Whnkm6ktEW
One of the all-time greats of Welsh rugby. Rest in Peace JPR. https://t.co/McckR9Bfuv
Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams. 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 💙 🔵⚪ https://t.co/gUqFuhPWg0
New for @sherryabbasi93 Julian ‘J Rock’ Williams – Championship Quality Remains @Woodsy1069 @DABXBomber https://t.co/InBR7OIyQI