The rugby world has come together to pay tribute to JPR Williams following the Wales and British & Irish Lions legend’s death aged 74.
The iconic full-back is one of the game’s all-time greats and excelled in a Lions jersey on the 1971 and 1974 Tours.
Among his teammates on the latter, which became known as the ‘Invincibles’ Tour as the squad returned from South Africa undefeated, was Sir Ian McGeechan.
Writing in a tribute published by The Telegraph, McGeechan said: “The Welshman was the best full-back the game has ever seen. Full stop.
“There have been some fantastic full-backs in rugby but, for me, he is still my No 1. If I had to pick one to play with again, it would be him every day of the week.
“It was a pleasure to play alongside him; what I felt for him was greater than respect.”
Jonathan Davies idolised Williams as a youngster and went on to follow in his footsteps by becoming a star of the Welsh backline.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live, Davies said: “Not many people can go by their initial and he was known as JPR.
“I remember watching him growing up. He was an absolute rock in defence with the tackles he made.
“If you wanted anybody behind you at full-back, I could not think of anybody better.”
Williams combined his international career with medical studies, a feat replicated by Jamie Roberts in the modern era, and the centre was another to pay his respects, along with several more modern-day Wales greats.
JPR
An icon for @WelshRugbyUnion @lionsofficial & @Barbarian_FC
An inspiration and role model for the rugby-medical fraternity
Diolch 🏴
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) January 8, 2024
#RIPJPR pic.twitter.com/at19O0VAPR
— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) January 9, 2024
A true Welsh Legend has passed. Fearless and committed, one of the greatest we’ve ever seen. RIP JPR
— Tom Shanklin (@TomShanklin) January 8, 2024
So so sad. Was always a pleasure to be in his company. Love and thoughts with his family. RIP x https://t.co/dgu9GDr8XI
— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) January 8, 2024
The name of JPR Williams became synonymous with Welsh rugby and international referee Nigel Owens summarised his impact.
“One of the very greatest,” he said. “Wherever in the world you travelled for rugby, they would always mention the 70s golden era of Welsh rugby, and the few names that were always mentioned, JPR was always one of them. RIP and condolences to all the family.”
Williams’ name transcended the sport in Wales and First Minister Mark Drakeford took to social media to share his own tribute.
Newyddion trist iawn. A true giant of the game.
Mae fy meddyliau gyda’i deulu a’i ffrindiau. All of our thoughts are with his friends and family as we remember his amazing career 🏴 https://t.co/rpLCB1DFSA
— Mark Drakeford (@PrifWeinidog) January 8, 2024
His impact was also felt far beyond his homeland and storied rugby figures from across Europe were among those to share their condolences.
Very sad news. We have lost a true giant of the game. A legend for Wales & the Lions during an incredible era for welsh rugby. My thoughts are with JPR’s family and friends. https://t.co/LN6gfMBdSC
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) January 8, 2024
Very sad news – true Lions and Wales legend. Thoughts with all his family and friends. RIP JPR. https://t.co/YuEeQqAzXZ
— Lawrence Dallaglio (@dallaglio8) January 8, 2024
Very sad news, another proper legend gone. #RIPJPR https://t.co/RTfbqldO27
— Andy Nicol (@AndyNic9) January 8, 2024
Very sad to hear about the passing of JPR Williams.
My sincere condolences to his family and to @LondonWelshRFC @WelshRugbyUnion & @lionsofficial!
Rest in peace 🙏🏿🙏🏿https://t.co/5WQpGq1WIQ pic.twitter.com/AbIALdEl2K
— Serge Betsen (@SBetsen) January 9, 2024
Williams’ club career was bookended by spells with hometown club Bridgend while he also represented several more with distinction.
Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams.
One of Bridgend’s most decorated players and an icon of World rugby, JPR served the club most recently as Club President.
Our thoughts are with JPR’s family and friends at this sad time 💙
— Bridgend Ravens (@bridgendravens) January 8, 2024
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Very sad news as we lose one of rugby’s greats.
A man who will always have a special place in the hearts and history of our club.
Rest in Peace, JPR.
⚫️⚪️⚫️ https://t.co/zVyYZtUcUQ
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) January 8, 2024
While this anecdote from his club days showed the reputation which preceded Williams during his career in Wales.
My cousin used to play wing for Newbridge RFC back in the old Merit table days in the late 70’s/80’s. He just sent me this…#RIPJPR pic.twitter.com/E194keDMtu
— JohnWyn (@JohnWynRichards) January 8, 2024
Figures from across the rugby media also shared their memories of one of the sport’s star names.
JPR Williams & Franz Beckenbauer on the same day. Sporting gods for so many of us growing up in the 1970s. Nobody’s getting though Heaven’s defence tonight.
— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) January 8, 2024
He strode the rugby fields of the world like an indescribable Colossus. JPR’s passing has knocked me for six. My deepest sympathy to Cilla and the family. https://t.co/GbbxqXPrpR
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) January 8, 2024
The loss of a true legend. RIP to a superstar who needed only 3 letters for universal sporting recognition. https://t.co/GDWusIZQC6
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) January 8, 2024
One of the all-time greats of Welsh rugby.
Rest in Peace JPR. https://t.co/McckR9Bfuv— Simon Thomas Rugby (@simonrug) January 8, 2024
The Welsh Rugby Union’s tributes were led by president Terry Cobner, who said: “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.”
