J. P. R. Williams
Williams in 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | John Peter Rhys Williams 2 March 1949 Bridgend, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 8 January 2024 (aged 74) Cardiff, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | St Mary's Hospital Medical School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Orthopaedic surgeon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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John Peter Rhys Williams MBE FRCS (2 March 1949 – 8 January 2024) was a Welsh rugby union player who represented Wales in international rugby during their Golden Era in the 1970s. He became known universally as J. P. R. Williams (or sometimes just as JPR) four years after his Welsh debut, in 1973 when J. J. Williams (also John) joined the Welsh team.
Playing in the position of full-back, he was noted for his aggressive attacking style. With his long sideburns and socks around his ankles, "JPR" was an iconic figure on the successful 1970s Wales team. However, despite playing full-back throughout his international career, his preferred position was flanker, where he played for Tondu at the end of his career.
Williams is one of a small group of Welsh players to have won three Grand Slams including Gerald Davies, Gareth Edwards, Ryan Jones, Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Alun Wyn Jones.
An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Williams continued to be involved in rugby following his retirement, serving as president of the Bridgend Ravens.