Wales great JPR Williams remembered
JPR Williams’ life as a rugby “revolutionary” and family man was remembered at a memorial service for the former Wales and British Lions full-back.
Williams died in January at the age of 74 and former team-mates from Welsh rugby’s golden 1970s era were among those who gathered at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff to celebrate his life on St David’s Day.
Williams gained a worldwide reputation for his fearless defensive play, rock-solid safety under a high ball and attacking prowess.
He won seven Five Nations titles, six Triple Crowns and three Grand Slams as Wales dominated the 1970s and starred on two victorious Lions tours, to New Zealand in 1971 – the only time they have won there – and in South Africa, three years later.
“On the field he was a revolutionary,” said John Taylor, a former London Welsh and Wales team-mate and Williams’ best man when he married wife Priscilla.
“JPR ripped up the rule book from the start. Wales wentfrom1934to1967without a try from a full-back until Keith Jarrett scored there and he was really a centre. JPR scored six, five against England. He was the scourge of the men in white and the most competitive animal I’ve ever met.
“Nobody created the extra man better than he did.”
Williams’ love of music, he was a boy soprano – with his young voice played over a loud speaker in the Cathedral–beforedevelopinginto a rich baritone, was reflected in the celebration of his life, while his four children – Lauren, Annelise, Francine and Peter – read during a service where their father’s sporting prowess was recalled.