J. P. R. Williams
Encyclopedia
Mr John Peter Rhys Williams, MBE
, FRCS
(born 2 March 1949), is a British
surgeon who was a very successful rugby union
player. He was known universally as J.P.R. Williams (or sometimes just as JPR, to distinguish him from teammate J. J. Williams, also John). He played for Wales
between 1969 and 1981. Playing in the position of fullback, he was noted for his aggressive attacking style. With his long sideburns and socks around his ankles, "JPR" was an iconic figure on the legendary 1970s Wales team.
, Wales, and was educated at Bridgend Boys Grammar School (now Brynteg Comprehensive School) and then Millfield School
in Somerset, as was his Wales team mate Gareth Edwards
. As well as being a rugby player, Williams was in his youth a talented tennis player; there is a popular urban myth that he won Junior Wimbledon in 1966 (in fact it was won by a Soviet, Vladimir Korotkov). However, he did win a British Junior competition that was held that same year at the Wimbledon venue, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
, beating David Lloyd
.
Williams replaced tennis
for rugby union, which was an amateur sport, in order to pursue a career in medicine
. He quickly attracted attention and was consequently first capped by Wales in 1969, aged 19. He went on to earn 55 caps for Wales, five as captain and eight for the British Lions
. He played club rugby for Bridgend and London Welsh. He also played a few games for Natal
shortly after the 1974 Lions tour
.
in 1971, 1976, and 1978, and is particularly remembered for his record against England
. In 10 tests between Wales and England he scored five tries
- exceptional for a fullback - 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
.
In 1977 he was awarded the MBE
for services to Rugby.
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 for Bridgend and then for Tondu Thirds
into his fifties. He finally hung up his boots in March 2003. He now lives in the Vale of Glamorgan and is president of the Bridgend Ravens.
Williams was one of the inaugural inductees of the International Rugby Hall of Fame
in 1997.
potential parliamentary candidate in Cardiff North
; but failed. In January 2006, in a party of 16 Welsh men and women, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
in Tanzania
for charity, helping to raise more than £200,000 for the NSPCC
's 'Full Stop' Campaign.
In his medical career, he qualified as a doctor in 1973 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
in 1980.
team-mate John Dawes
says:
JPR Williams, commenting on his dual speciality in rugby and medicine:
Gerald Davies
, on the 1971 Lions tour, in his autobiography:
In 2002, Tim Glover of The Independent
likened London Irish centre Brendan Venter
to JPR:
(Source)
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
, FRCS
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons is a professional qualification to practise as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland...
(born 2 March 1949), is a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
surgeon who was a very successful rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
player. He was known universally as J.P.R. Williams (or sometimes just as JPR, to distinguish him from teammate J. J. Williams, also John). He played for Wales
Wales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
between 1969 and 1981. Playing in the position of fullback, he was noted for his aggressive attacking style. With his long sideburns and socks around his ankles, "JPR" was an iconic figure on the legendary 1970s Wales team.
Early life
Williams was born just outside BridgendBridgend
Bridgend is a town in the Bridgend County Borough in Wales, west of the capital, Cardiff. The river crossed by the original bridge, which gave the town its name, is the River Ogmore but the River Ewenny also passes to the south of the town...
, Wales, and was educated at Bridgend Boys Grammar School (now Brynteg Comprehensive School) and then Millfield School
Millfield
Millfield is an independent school in Street in Somerset, in south-west England.The school currently has a roll of 1,260 pupils, of whom 910 are boarders...
in Somerset, as was his Wales team mate Gareth Edwards
Gareth Edwards
Gareth Owen Edwards CBE is a former Welsh rugby union footballer who played scrum-half and has been described by the BBC as "arguably the greatest player ever to don a Welsh jersey"....
. As well as being a rugby player, Williams was in his youth a talented tennis player; there is a popular urban myth that he won Junior Wimbledon in 1966 (in fact it was won by a Soviet, Vladimir Korotkov). However, he did win a British Junior competition that was held that same year at the Wimbledon venue, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club , also known as the All-England Club, based at Aorangi Park, Wimbledon, London, England, is a private members club. It is best known as the venue for the Wimbledon Championships, the only Grand Slam tennis event still held on grass...
, beating David Lloyd
David Lloyd (tennis)
David Lloyd is a former professional English tennis player and businessman.He was born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. He and his younger brother John Lloyd became two of the most successful British tennis players throughout the 1970s and 1980s. David captained the British Davis Cup team and became a...
.
Williams replaced tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
for rugby union, which was an amateur sport, in order to pursue a career in medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
. He quickly attracted attention and was consequently first capped by Wales in 1969, aged 19. He went on to earn 55 caps for Wales, five as captain and eight for the British Lions
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
. He played club rugby for Bridgend and London Welsh. He also played a few games for Natal
Natal Sharks
The Natal Sharks are a South African rugby union team that participate in the annual Currie Cup and Super Rugby tournaments. The Sharks home stadium is Kings Park. They draw most of their players from the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Sharks are the current representative team of the Natal rugby...
shortly after the 1974 Lions tour
1974 British Lions tour to South Africa
In 1974 the British Lions toured South Africa, with matches in South West Africa and Rhodesia . The tour was a great success, the Lions winning 21 of their 22 matches and drawing the other. After winning the first three test matches, the Lions drew the final test to preserve their unbeaten record...
.
Rugby career
He had many high points in his career, being a key player in a Welsh side that won Grand SlamsGrand Slam (Rugby Union)
In rugby union, a Grand Slam occurs when one team in the Six Nations Championship manages to beat all the others during one year's competition...
in 1971, 1976, and 1978, and is particularly remembered for his record against England
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
. In 10 tests between Wales and England he scored five tries
Try
A try is the major way of scoring points in rugby league and rugby union football. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area...
- exceptional for a fullback - and was never on the losing side. He was also outstanding for the Lions
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
, winning the 1971 series
1971 British Lions tour to New Zealand
In 1971 the British Lions toured New Zealand, also playing two matches in Australia. Despite losing the first match to Queensland the tour was a great success, the Lions winning the test series against the All Blacks. They are still the only Lions side to have won a test series in New Zealand...
against New Zealand with a long-range drop-goal and playing a major role in the 1974 'invincible' series
1974 British Lions tour to South Africa
In 1974 the British Lions toured South Africa, with matches in South West Africa and Rhodesia . The tour was a great success, the Lions winning 21 of their 22 matches and drawing the other. After winning the first three test matches, the Lions drew the final test to preserve their unbeaten record...
against South Africa
South Africa national rugby union team
The South African national rugby union team are 2009 British and Irish Lions Series winners. They are currently ranked as the fourth best team in the IRB World Rankings and were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.Although South Africa was instrumental...
.
In 1977 he was awarded the MBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
for services to Rugby.
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 for Bridgend and then for Tondu Thirds
Tondu RFC
Tondu Rugby Football Club is a rugby union team from the village of Aberkenfig, South Wales. They presently play in the Welsh Rugby Union Division Two West League and is a feeder club for the Ospreys.....
into his fifties. He finally hung up his boots in March 2003. He now lives in the Vale of Glamorgan and is president of the Bridgend Ravens.
Williams was one of the inaugural inductees of the International Rugby Hall of Fame
International Rugby Hall of Fame
The International Rugby Hall of Fame is a hall of fame for rugby union. It was created in 1997 in New Zealand and is run as a charitable trust with an address at Chiswick in London. Most of the trustees are also inductees. IRHOF accepts new inductees every two years...
in 1997.
Retirement
After retirement, he sought the nomination to become a Conservative PartyWelsh Conservative Party
The Welsh Conservatives & Unionists , informally the Welsh Conservatives or Welsh Tories, are the part of the Conservative Party which operates in Wales...
potential parliamentary candidate in Cardiff North
Cardiff North (UK Parliament constituency)
Cardiff North is aborough constituency in the city of Cardiff. It returns one Member of Parliament to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, elected by the first past the post voting system....
; but failed. In January 2006, in a party of 16 Welsh men and women, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa at above sea level .-Geology:...
in Tanzania
Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.Tanzania is a state...
for charity, helping to raise more than £200,000 for the NSPCC
NSPCC
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is a United Kingdom charity campaigning and working in child protection.-History:...
's 'Full Stop' Campaign.
In his medical career, he qualified as a doctor in 1973 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
Royal College of Surgeons of England
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body and registered charity committed to promoting and advancing the highest standards of surgical care for patients, regulating surgery, including dentistry, in England and Wales...
in 1980.
Quotations
In his introduction to the second autobiography of JPR Williams, former London Welsh and WalesWales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
team-mate John Dawes
John Dawes
Sydney John Dawes OBE is a former Welsh rugby union player, playing at centre, and later coach. He captained London Welsh, Wales, the Barbarians and the British Lions...
says:
JPR had all the requirements to become a great. He was talented, brave, committed and totally uncompromising. His impact on the game was immediate and long-standing. By 1974 he had travelled with Wales to New ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, FijiFijiFiji , officially the Republic of Fiji , is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about northeast of New Zealand's North Island...
, and CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. He was an outstanding member of two victorious Lions tours - to New Zealand in 1971 and South AfricaSouth AfricaThe Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
in 1974. JPR was an established icon.
JPR Williams, commenting on his dual speciality in rugby and medicine:
I used to say that I spent half my life breaking bones on the rugby field, then the other half putting them back together in the operating theatre.
Gerald Davies
Gerald Davies
Thomas Gerald Reames Davies CBE is one of the acknowledged greats of Welsh rugby, playing for the side between 1966 and 1978.-Biography:...
, on the 1971 Lions tour, in his autobiography:
Behind us all was the immovable J.P.R. Williams, whose commitment to a competition borders on the frightening. His immense presence gave us as a team strength and total confidence. New Zealand are fond of kicking the high ball at the full back to expose a team's vulnerability and destroy its morale. Most players, I am sure, are reluctant to deal with such a tactic and perhaps give only 75% of their commitment to it - the other 25% is thinking of what might happen. JPR gave 100% of his attention to the act of taking that ball. But more than that, once having retrieved it his thoughts were not entirely defensive and he would look to the options for attack. His style of play added another dimension to the role of the full back and to the possibilities open to any team in which he played.
In 2002, Tim Glover of The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
likened London Irish centre Brendan Venter
Brendan Venter
Brendan Venter is a former rugby union player who played at centre and also coached for London Irish. He is currently director of rugby at Saracens...
to JPR:
No doctor has played rugby with such a wilful disregard for his own wellbeing since J P R Williams, complete with bloodied headband, was charging around the old Arms Park like a wounded bisonBisonMembers of the genus Bison are large, even-toed ungulates within the subfamily Bovinae. Two extant and four extinct species are recognized...
.
Welsh honours and statistics
- First cap, February 1, 1969, MurrayfieldMurrayfield StadiumMurrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one...
, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
( 3 - WalesWales national rugby union teamThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
17) - His fifty-five caps comprised 37 wins, four draws, and 14 defeats
- Won the Grand SlamGrand Slam (Rugby Union)In rugby union, a Grand Slam occurs when one team in the Six Nations Championship manages to beat all the others during one year's competition...
in 1971, 1976 and 1978 - Won the Triple CrownTriple Crown (Rugby Union)In rugby union, the Triple Crown is an honour contested annually by the four national teams of the British Isles who compete within the larger Six Nations Championship: England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. If any one team manages to win all their games against the other three they win the...
in 1969, 1971, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 - Scored 36 points (five four-point tries and one three-point try; three penalty goals and two conversions)
- Captained Wales five times (1978-79 - Championship and Triple Crown Season)
- Final cap, February 7, 1981, MurrayfieldMurrayfield StadiumMurrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one...
, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
( 15 - WalesWales national rugby union teamThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
6)
(Source)
External links
- J.P.R. Williams, WRU profile
- Whatever happened to... J.P.R. Williams?, Eddie Butler, The Observer 3 February 2002
- 100 Welsh Heros: #24 J.P.R. Williams
- Small talk: J.P.R. Williams, Paul Doyle, The Guardian, 6 October 2006
- J.P.R. Williams, full back, BBC News, 18 March 2005
- Gavin Henson interview: J.P.R. Williams, The Observer, 6 November 2005