J. J. Williams (rugby union) facts for kids

John James Williams, known to everyone as J. J. Williams, was a famous Welsh rugby union player. He was born on April 1, 1948, and passed away on October 29, 2020. J. J. Williams was a fantastic winger for the Welsh national team. He played in 30 international matches for Wales.

Before becoming a rugby star, Williams was a very fast sprinter. He later joined the Welsh rugby team that won the Five Nations Championship four times. These wins were in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. The team also achieved two amazing Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978.

Williams played for important clubs like Bridgend Ravens and Llanelli RFC in the 1970s. A special moment was when his Llanelli team famously beat the All Blacks in 1972. He was also a key player for the British Lions team in 1974. After he stopped playing rugby in 1980, Williams became a sports expert and commentator for BBC Wales. He also became a successful businessman. His son, Rhys, is also a professional athlete in track and field.

Early Life and Sporting Talent

J. J. Williams was born in a place called Nantyffyllon in Wales. He went to Maesteg Grammar School for his early education. Later, he studied at the Cardiff College of Education. This college was known for its excellent sports programs.

Williams was a very gifted athlete in track and field. He even represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970. He ran the 100 metre race in a very fast time of 10.6 seconds. He also competed in the 200 metres and the 4 × 100 metres relay races. In 1971, he became the Welsh sprint champion.

Rugby Career Highlights

Williams started his rugby journey playing for Bridgend. After that, he joined Llanelli RFC, where he played an impressive 223 games over nine seasons.

His first international match for Wales was in 1973. It was a victory against France in Paris. Williams was known as one of the fastest wingers in rugby. He scored 12 tries in his 30 matches for Wales.

He also went on two tours with the British and Irish Lions. These are special teams made up of the best players from Britain and Ireland. He played in all four test matches in South Africa in 1974. He also played in three test matches in New Zealand in 1977.

Williams played a huge part in the 1974 'invincible' series against South Africa. He scored two tries in both the second and third test matches. This made him the first British and Irish Lion in the 20th century to score two tries in a single test match. Because of his speed, he earned the nickname "The Welsh Whippet." He also scored a last-minute try against Orange Free State. This helped the Lions keep their unbeaten record on that tour.

Life After Rugby

After retiring from rugby, J. J. Williams started his own business. He ran a company that did commercial and industrial painting. His business was based in Pyle, which is near Bridgend.

All three of his children also became athletes. They have all represented Wales in track and field events. His son, Rhys, was a Welsh record holder in the 400 metres hurdles in 2005. In 2013, J. J. Williams also helped promote a health program in Wales. This program was about screening for a condition called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

J. J. Williams passed away on October 29, 2020, at the age of 72. He died from cancer. He is remembered by his wife and three children.

Achievements and Awards

Personal Awards

• Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): He received this award in 2013. It was given for his great contributions to rugby and his charity work in Wales.
• Welsh Sports Hall of Fame: He was added to this special hall in 2009. This honors the greatest sportspeople from Wales.

Team Successes

Llanelli Rugby Football Club

• WRU Challenge Cup
  • Winners (4 times): 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976
• Snelling Sevens
  • Winners (2 times): 1973, 1979

Wales National Team

• Five Nations Championship
  • Winners (4 times): 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979
• Grand Slam
  • Winners (2 times): 1976, 1978
• Triple Crown
  • Winners (3 times): 1976, 1978, 1979

British and Irish Lions

• British and Irish Lions Series: He was part of the touring teams in 1974 and 1977.

See also

A friendly robot mascot.

• In Spanish: J. J. Williams para niños