John Peter Rhys Williams, commonly known as JPR Williams, was a Welsh rugby union player best
known for representing Wales in international rugby during their Golden Era in the 1970s. He was one of
a small group of Welsh players to have won three Grand Slams in 1971, 1976, 1978 and is widely
regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. Williams attended Llandovery College and later
studied at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London. Despite pursuing a career in medicine, JP... moreJohn Peter Rhys Williams, commonly known as JPR Williams, was a Welsh rugby union player best
known for representing Wales in international rugby during their Golden Era in the 1970s. He was one of
a small group of Welsh players to have won three Grand Slams in 1971, 1976, 1978 and is widely
regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. Williams attended Llandovery College and later
studied at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London. Despite pursuing a career in medicine, JPR
Williams made a name for himself as one of the most iconic figures in Welsh rugby history. Initially
Williams played tennis but switched to rugby in order to pursue a career in medicine. He made his
international debut for Wales in 1969 and went on to represent his country in numerous matches,
including the Five Nations Championship and British and Irish Lions tours. Throughout his illustrious
career, JPR Williams achieved numerous accolades, including Grand Slam victories with Wales in the Five
Nations Championship. He also captained Wales five times from 1978–1979. Williams retired from
professional rugby in 1981, to pursue a career in medicine as an orthopedic surgeon. He remained
involved in the sport through coaching and mentorship and in 1997 he was inducted of the International
Rugby Hall of Fame.
