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, a fearless player known for his aggressive and attacking style, won 55 Wales caps and started all eight Tests on victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa three years later.
The tough-as-teak full-back gained a worldwide reputation for his fearless defensive play, rock-solid safety under a high ball and attacking prowess that saw him excel alongside fellow household names like Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Phil Bennett and Gerald Davies.
Born John Peter Rhys Williams, his universal JPR moniker took effect in 1973 to distinguish him from Wales team-mate John 'JJ' Williams.
As a teenager, Williams showed huge potential as a tennis player, at one stage winning a British junior competition at the All England Club, Wimbledon, beating former Great Britain Davis Cup captain David Lloyd.
But rugby union was to be his calling, which he dovetailed with a career in medicine, qualifying as a physician in 1973 after studying at St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, by which time he was firmly established as a trailblazing full-back.
"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," he said in his 2007 book JPR Given The Breaks – My Life In Rugby. He qualified as an orthopaedic surgeon and was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.
During a glittering international career which coincided with Welsh rugby's greatest era, Williams won three Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978.
He won six Triple Crowns in total - in addition to the Grand Slam campaigns, three more arrived in 1969, 1978 and 1979.
For the Lions, he was an indispensible part of the triumphant tours in 1971 and 1974. He famously scored a late drop-goal against in their fourth test against NZ in '71, earning a draw and ensuring a 2-1 series win.
Welsh Rugby Union President Terry Cobner hailed Williams as "one of our greatest players of all time" and said he had "revolutionised full back play."
"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," said Cobner.
"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.
"Welsh rugby will remember him as one of our greatest players of all-time.
"This is a terrible loss for our game, but obviously an even worse loss for his wife, Scilla, and their three four children. The thoughts of the whole Welsh rugby family are with them at this difficult time."
The British & Irish Lions tweeted a tribute: "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."
One of the greatest ever Lions.
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 8, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/9hVwe9dlOS
Irish Rugby tweeted, "A true legend of the game for @WelshRugbyUnion, @lionsofficial & @Barbarian_FC
"A joy to watch on the field and a gentleman off it. Rest in peace JPR Williams."
A true legend of the game for @WelshRugbyUnion @lionsofficial & @Barbarian_FC
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 8, 2024
A joy to watch on the field and a gentleman off it. Rest in peace JPR Williams.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. https://t.co/PHeYdJfpAZ
His death was announced by Bridgend Ravens, a club that Williams served as a player and club president.
"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."
With additional material: PA
