JPR Williams, a rugby star for Wales and the British and Irish Lions, passed away at the age of 74, his former club revealed. In addition to being a key member of the winning Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in South Africa, he contributed significantly to Wales’ success in the 1970s, helping them to three Grand Slams. The former fullback, who was easily recognizable due to his long sideburns and short socks, was a player for the Barbarians, London Welsh, and Bridgend. He took part in what is universally considered to be the “greatest try ever scored” in 1973 when representing the Barbarians against New Zealand. It was an incredible 22-second blitz from one end of the field to the other that culminated in a try by Gareth Edwards.
The British and Irish Lions described Williams as “one of the greatest ever Lions”.
