| JPR Williams
John Peter Rhys Williams (born 2 March 1949 in Cardiff), known universally as JPR Williams, played rugby union for Wales between 1969 and 1981. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest fullbacks of all time.
Williams' devastating tackling and fierceness in defense were particularly renowned, but he also displayed great skill, speed, and agility in attack. A player with no real weaknesses, he was also a skilled kicker. In an era when it was politically unwise to admit to liking rugby league, JPR was one of the few who studied the game and claimed that his 'chip and kick' were based on rugby league kicking.
A persistent urban legend holds that he won the junior Wimbledon Championships in 1966; this is not true. Williams gave up tennis for the then-amateur game of rugby union in order to pursue a career in medicine. Williams' obvious ability quickly attracted attention and he was consequently first capped by Wales in 1969 aged 19. He went on to earn 55 caps for Wales and 8 for the Lions. He played club rugby for Bridgend and London Welsh.
He had many high points in his career, being a key player in a Welsh side that won Grand Slams in 1971, 1976, and 1978, but is particularly remembered for his remarkable record against England; in 10 tests between Wales and England he scored five tries and was never on the losing side. He was also outstanding for the Lions, winning the 1971 series against New Zealand with a long-range drop-goal and playing a major role in the 1974 'invincible' series against South Africa.
Playing for Bridgend against the All Blacks in 1978, Williams was caught at the bottom of a ruck, where he was stamped on by the opposing prop John Ashworth and had a hole torn in his cheek. Unfazed, Williams, a trained surgeon, retired from the pitch, stitched up his own injuries, and returned to the field.
Williams retired from international rugby union in 1981 and continued his career as an orthopaedic surgeon. He continued playing club rugby for many years, playing throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
|
