"One of the Greats" - Tributes Paid to JPR Williams After Welsh Legend Passes Away

Tributes have been flooding in from across the rugby world, in memory of the late, great Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams. An undisputed icon of rugby in the 1970s, JPR will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game and an inspiration to all.

John Peter Rhys Williams made his Welsh debut in 1969 at the age of just 19, and quickly established himself as the first choice full-back for the 'Golden Era' of Wales rugby. He went on to make 55 caps for his country, five as captain, and a further eight for the British and Irish Lions. There were countless high points in his legendary career, with his three Five Nations Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978 ranking amongst the best.

JPR Williams was also amongst the most famous faces to run out for the Barbarians, with his iconic image in the black and white stripes fondly remembered by the older generation of rugby fans. It was announced late last night that JPR had passed away at the age of 74, and the rugby family has been paying their tributes to an undisputed great of the game.

The British & Irish Lions posted to X (formerly Twitter): "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."

Former France international Serge Betsen posted: "Very sad to hear about the passing of JPR Williams. My sincere condolences to his family and to London Welsh, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. Rest in peace."

WRU President Terry Cobner led the tributes to JPR Williams on behalf of Wales;

"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"

“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.”