Welsh rugby has lost another iconic 1970s legend following the death of JPR Williams at the age of 74.
The full-back, who played 55 times for his country and also made eight Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions, was a pivotal member of the Wales side which won three Five Nations grand slams in eight seasons between 1971 and 1978.Even half a century later there are still no more famous set of initials in global rugby than JPR, which only the keenest of fans knew stood for John Peter Rhys. The wider public were more familiar with his trademark sideburns, rolled-down socks and no‑nonsense style of play which perfectly complemented the playmaking skills of such illustrious teammates as Barry John, Gareth Edwards and Phil Bennett.
As well as captaining Wales on five occasions, Williams was credited with changing the way people perceived the role of full-backs. Strong, direct, committed and athletic, he was first capped by Wales in 1969 at the age of 19 and was the starting Lions Test full-back in New Zealand just two years later. He started every Test in the Lions’ historic series victory, dropping the crucial long-range goal in the fourth and final Test which ended in a 14-14 draw
Негізгі бет JPR Williams, Wales and Lions rugby union great, dies aged 74
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