JPR Williams was a Welsh rugby union player who passed away on January 8, 2024, and he died at the age of 74 years. JPR died because he was suffering from bacterial meningitis but unfortunately succumbed to his illness at the University Hospital of Wales, he was survived by his wife and children. JPR Williams family announced his demise and announced:
“JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis. The family requests privacy at this difficult time.”
He was known for adaptability, leadership, unparalleled skill, and last but not least his signature sideburns and fearless demeanor. He won 55 caps for his country. He also won several tournaments such as the Five Nations Grand Slams in 1971, 1976, and 1978, BBC reported.
RIP @WelshRugbyUnion @WRU_Community legend JPR Williams
Thoughts are with his family x pic.twitter.com/6N570Y6BBF
— Richard Cronin (@richardcronin23) January 8, 2024
In 1981, he decided to retire from international rugby but rugby was his first love he was coaching his students and 22 years later he decided to quit permanently in 2003.
He passed away at the age of 74 and was survived by his wife, Scilla, and their four children – Lauren, Annie, Frances, and Peter.
Who is JPR Williams Wife, Scilla Williams?
JPR Williams, the legendary Welsh rugby player, and his wife Scilla enjoyed their retirement in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The couple raised four children: Lauren, Annie, Frances, and Peter. The children inherited their father’s athletic prowess and excelled in various sports.
Lauren and Annie, for instance, played in the Welsh hockey team at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Lauren, known for her cycling achievements, was the second woman to cross the finish line in a race on part of the Tour de France course in 2005. She also qualified for the world championship in Hawaii for a triathlon.
RIP JPR Williams. Hard now to explain just how famous and great that Welsh rugby team of the early ’70s was. JPR, as much as any of his fantastic team mates, was its hairy public face, its beating heart. Fella was a surgeon too. pic.twitter.com/k4wyPwQaHK
— Danny Kelly (@dannykellywords) January 9, 2024
Frances, another talented athlete in the family, played under-21s hockey, while Peter was an avid golfer who participated in the British Boys’ Open Amateur Championship at Conwy at the age of 17.
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
Alongside their athletic achievements, the Williams children share their father’s passion for medicine. Lauren works as an anesthetist in Oxford, and her husband Neville is a surgeon. Annie pursued a career as a physiotherapist, while Frances became a speech therapist.
So sad to hear of the passing of #JPRWilliams; ‘legend’ is a word banded about too easily these days, but #JPR embodies it perfectly. This is actually my favourite try of the famous @Barbarian_FC game from 1973. Brilliant passage of play and finished by the great man. RIP JPR pic.twitter.com/w6xkf0LdfE
— Julian Brammer (@JulianBrammer) January 9, 2024
The Williams family has a longstanding tradition of medical professionals, with JPR’s parents and three brothers also being doctors, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to both sports and medicine.
Know More About His Personal Life
JPR Williams, born on March 2, 1949, was a renowned Welsh rugby player who made significant contributions as a full-back for Bridgend, Lions, and Barbarians.
So famed for his defence and for his roles in some of the greatest tries of all time, this drop goal is arguably JPR Williams’ finest moment.
Lions series on the line. Beautiful.
Rest in peace one of the greatest to play the game.#JPR #rugby pic.twitter.com/yymRyZGdis
— Rhys Williams﮷ (@RhysWilliamsTV) January 8, 2024
He played a pivotal role in the success of the Lions during the iconic tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974, earning eight Test caps.
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Growing up in an affluent middle-class family in Wales with three brothers, JPR initially pursued tennis before finding his true calling in rugby.
JPR Williams
What an Icon
What a legendA true great and warrior on the field
Never ever took a backward step playing the game he loved.
RIP
JPR pic.twitter.com/HLRbVZxAm0
— 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐬 (@LeeJarvis10) January 8, 2024
Despite facing challenges in balancing rugby and his medical profession, JPR Williams decided to retire from international rugby in 1981 to focus on his career as a surgeon.
However, he continued to engage in occasional games. The Guardian reported that he retired from rugby full-time in 2003, marking the end of a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on the sport.
All at London Welsh RFC are deeply saddened by the news this evening that rugby legend JPR Williams has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends, colleagues and family. A huge loss to all who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/7PNPsKd3e2
— London Welsh RFC
(@LondonWelshRFC) January 8, 2024