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Bleddyn Williams

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Bleddyn Williams
Bleddyn Williams (born 22 February 1923, at Taffs Wells, near Cardiff), was a Welsh rugby union centre. He played in 22 internationals for Wales, captaining them four times, winning each time, and captained the British Lions in 1950 for some of their tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Considered to be the non pareil of Welsh centres he was robust in the tackle and known for his strong leadership and surging runs, indeed he was often referred to as 'The Prince Of Centres'. He forged a famous centre partnership for Cardiff and Wales with Dr Jack Matthews, with whom he maintains a close friendship. In 1953 he had the unique distinction of captaining his club (Cardiff), and his country (Wales), to victory against the touring New Zealand All Blacks. A resident of Penarth, Williams lived near Albert Road School but attended Rydal School in Colwyn Bay from the age of 14 until he was 18. He had been recommended for a scholarship to Rydal by legendary rugby player Wilf Wooller. He was made an MBE in the 2005 New Year's Honours list, an award he accepted with typical modesty by saying he owed it to his team mates.

Each of Bleddyn's seven brothers also played for the Blue and Blacks. At one time four played in the same team together.

During WW2 he joined the RAF and saw service on the continent.

He suffered a heart attack in his Cardigan holiday home and was rescued when his now late wife Violet gave him the kiss of life.
 

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