8 January 2024 21:57 Reading Time: 4 mins
British & Irish Lions
JPR Williams: Lions legend dies aged 74
JPR Williams, one of the greatest players to wear the British & Irish Lions jersey, has died at the age of 74.
The full-back was an integral part of Wales’ success in the 1970s and translated that form into another iconic red shirt, starring on the 1971 and 1974 Tours.
In all, he featured in eight Tests for the Lions and his drop goal to help seal victory in New Zealand in 1971 remains etched in folklore.
One of the greatest ever Lions.
A man who inspired so many.
It is with huge sadness to learn that JPR Williams has passed away at the age of 74.
All our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/9hVwe9dlOS
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 8, 2024
The Bridgend-born legend’s passing was announced by his hometown club, now Bridgend Ravens, who he represented with distinction over two spells.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” they said.
“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.”
Williams made his international bow aged just 19 in 1969 and went on to enjoy a remarkable career for Wales, helping his country win Five Nations Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978.
His form in the first of those helped him win selection for his maiden Lions Tour and his impact against the All Blacks secured his status in the history books.
The final Test arrived with the tourists leading 2-1 and needing to avoid defeat at Eden Park to become the first Lions side to beat New Zealand in a series.
The match was poised on a knife-edge heading towards the closing stages, locked at 11-11, when Williams kicked what would turn out to be the only drop goal of his international career – one he had seen coming.
“It was the end of a long Tour and at that stage a lot of the guys were a little homesick,” he later recalled.
“On the bus going to the game I thought I would try to make them all laugh. I said I would drop a goal. Obviously no-one believed me.
“I had been practising with Bob Hiller and Barry John and when the drop goal came we were going backwards at the time.
“David Duckham passed the ball to Barry, he gave it to me and I just hit it. As soon as I hit it I knew it was going over.”
The All Blacks went on to level the match but could not find a way through in the closing stages and a 14-14 draw was enough for the Lions’ class of ’71 to do what no side has done before or since.
David Duckham, also a key part of the history-making side, said in a 2017 interview: “The ball was never going to go anywhere else except for through the middle of those posts.
“Under pressure, he absolutely nailed it. We all just hugged him. In those days celebrations after points were very muted and restrained, but my goodness we could have all kissed him!
“That was the genius of a great player.”
Williams stayed in New Zealand for three months after the victorious Tour to continue his medical training and, three years later, retained his place in the No.15 jersey, starting all four Tests on the famous ‘Invincibles’ Tour of South Africa.
The tourists won 21 of their 22 matches, including three of the four Tests, with the other ending in a draw, on a brutal tour which saw Williams immortalised for his role in the famous ’99 call’.
The Welshman ran half the pitch to launch himself at giant lock Moaner van Heerden – showing the physical South African side that the Lions would not be bullied.
Williams continued to redefine the role of a full-back as the decade went on and was involved in ‘the greatest try ever scored’, finished by Gareth Edwards, while playing for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973.
He never lost against England in 10 matches in a Wales shirt, scoring five in the process, and was among the inaugural inductees to the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1997.
Wales legend Jonathan Davies was among the many current and former players to pay tribute, saying: “He was perhaps the most competitive bloke I have ever come across.
“He was ferociously competitive. It is very sad, he was just a great rugby player and an incredible character.
“Whenever you mention who were the greatest full-backs in any era, you hear about the greats like Serge Blanco and Christian Cullen, JPR is always in the mix.”
The British & Irish Lions send sincere condolences to Williams’ wife, Cilla, their four children and all of his family and friends.
Source – British & Irish Lions
British & Irish Lions
British & Irish Lions announce landmark player profit share agreement for 2025 Tour
The British & Irish Lions has today announced details of a new player agreement which will see players selected for the 2025 Tour to Australia benefit from a profit share model for the first time. The agreement will see the creation of a new partnership model whereby a portion of distributable post-Tour profits will be made available for sharing between players.
In addition to the new financial model, the agreement will also result in increased collaboration between The British & Irish Lions and the players particularly around scheduling and preparation. Working together, they will create the optimum schedule to give the players the best chance to prepare for a successful Tour. For 2025, this will include a training camp and the pre-Tour Lions 1888 Cup match in June, following a squad announcement day and a player administration day to induct players into the Lions squad. Players will also engage in a debrief session after the Tour to review all aspects of it in detail.
Alongside on-the-pitch-preparation, the new agreement will see The British & Irish Lions support players off the pitch through a range of activity and initiatives. Each Lions player will be provided with personally tailored high-quality digital content daily during the Tour and will also be provided with content post-Tour for use on their own personal social media channels.
Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions CEO, said: “We know that players love playing for the Lions, and it is the pinnacle of their professional careers, and this landmark agreement highlights how they are at the centre of our thinking.
“I would like to thank Simon Keogh of Rugby Players Ireland who acted on behalf of all the Unions from a player representative perspective and was integral in bringing all of this together. I would also like to thank our Unions who each played a key role in the development of this agreement which crucially reflects the value we place on our players.
“This announcement reflects the Lions integral role within an aligned professional rugby ecosystem and follows the announcement of our strategic partnership with Premiership Rugby and United Rugby Championship, and the joint venture with Rugby Australia for next year’s Tour.”
Ieuan Evans, British & Irish Lions Chair, said: “This is a significant development for the players who are integral to the success of every Lions Tour, and it is right that their efforts on and off the pitch are recognised.
“With less than nine months to go until the first Test in Australia, anticipation is building, and we are committed to creating the very best environment for our players both on and off the pitch, supporting them all the way and ensuring they have an amazing Lions experience.
“I am delighted that we have reached this agreement with the players and want to thank everyone for their efforts in making it happen.”
Simon Keogh, Rugby Players Ireland CEO, said: “Players are central to the ongoing success of The British & Irish Lions Tours and we are delighted that their views – including those of Lions heroes of the past – have been heard throughout this process. I’d like to thank The British & Irish Lions for their honesty, transparency, and genuine consideration of the players’ voice. As a result, I believe that we have reached an agreement that is both fair and reflective of the strong collaboration between all stakeholders in rugby.”
Jamie George, England men’s team representative, said: “Being selected as a Lion is considered by many players to be the pinnacle of their career. Wearing the jersey brings with it a unique duty, not only to perform on the day, but to uphold a legacy for the generations of Lions to come. To have the players’ voice heard and valued in shaping the team’s future is a very welcome development.”
Peter O’Mahony, Ireland men’s team representative said: “This agreement recognises the role players play across the Lions Tour, both on and off the field. It’s great to see a commitment to ensuring everyone benefits from the success of each Tour.”
Finn Russell, Scotland men’s team representative added: “The Lions have built a great legacy that goes beyond the game itself. The players have always been at the heart of it and it’s only right that we create an environment where players are recognised for their efforts.”
Jac Morgan, Wales men’s team representative, said: “Being part of these discussions on behalf of players across the four countries has been a privilege. As a proud team player and international, I understand the importance of bringing people together. I think this agreement is therefore a great reflection of what the Lions really stands for.”
Source – British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions Trust has today announced its five charity partnerships all of which have rugby at the heart of what they do and make a real impact on communities.
• Dallaglio RugbyWorks
• LooseHeadz
• Matt Hampson Foundation
• My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
• Wooden Spoon
The two-year partnerships will allow the charities to use The British & Irish Lions digital platforms and the Lions Charitable Trust branding for promotion.
The Lions will also collaborate with the charities on fundraising and awareness events. In addition, merchandise from the Lions Tour to Australia, signed by the 2025 squad, will be provided to each charity for auction.
“One of the key objectives of The British & Irish Lions is to have an impact off the pitch as well as on the pitch, and we are proud to be partnering with five incredible charities who all have a connection with rugby at their core.” said Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions CEO.
“We look forward to supporting these charities and highlighting the important work they do.”
Gavin Hastings, British & Irish Lions Trust Chairperson, added: “The Lions charity programme was first established in 2021 and has been a great success. It is a privilege to announce the five charity partnerships today and we are looking forward to working closely with each of these outstanding charities to support them raise much-needed funds for their charitable causes.”
Dallaglio RugbyWorks
Dallaglio RugbyWorks was founded by former England international and three-times Lions tourist Lawrence Dallaglio. The charity grew out of Lawrence’s vision to offer a long-term skills-development programme for young people, based on the values of rugby. Each year, it helps hundreds of teenagers outside of mainstream education to develop the skills they need to get into sustained employment and training.
Zenna Hopson, CEO, Dallaglio RugbyWorks said: “We are thrilled to embark on this incredible journey as a new partner of The British & Irish Lions Trust. Together, we are aligned in our values, our mission, and also the power of rugby to make a lasting impact for young people, fostering resilience, and positive change. This partnership symbolises our shared commitment to harnessing the transformative spirit of the sport, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the field, to ensure that despite our young people being excluded from school, they will not be excluded from society.”
LooseHeadz
LooseHeadz is rugby’s mental health charity on a mission to place a mental health lead in every rugby club around the world, using rugby as a vehicle to tackle the stigma and help the rugby community talk openly about what can be a challenging subject.
The charity provides each partner rugby club with a toolkit of free resources to support the mental fitness of players, coaches and supporters. LooseHeadz currently works with around 1,000 rugby clubs in 20 different countries to help get people talking and #TackleTheStigma.
Rob Shotton, Co-Founder, LooseHeadz said: “LooseHeadz started as a conversation at the end of our local rugby club bar whilst watching the Lions Tour of New Zealand back in 2017. Just 6 and a half years later, to partner with the Lions is a monumental milestone in our journey. When we first penned our ambitious 10-year business plan, the vision of joining forces with the Lions for this Tour was a cherished dream. And now, as this dream becomes a reality, it stands as our crowning achievement. This partnership, deeply rooted in the very essence of rugby, ignites our fervent belief that alongside an organisation as iconic as the Lions, we can take LooseHeadz to the next level. We’re excited to join the pride and tackle the stigma together.”
Matt Hampson Foundation
The Matt Hampson Foundation inspires and supports young people seriously injured through sport. Through expert physiotherapy, specialist personal training, wellbeing support, mentoring and advice, the Foundation helps people with life-changing injuries to get busy living again.
The Foundation was established in 2011 by ex-England and Leicester Tigers rugby player Matt Hampson OBE, who himself experienced a life-changing injury in 2005 leaving him paralysed from the neck down, aged just 20.
Matt Hampson OBE, Creator of Matt Hampson Foundation said: “We are incredibly grateful and excited to be named as an official charity of the Lions Trust. As rugby fans, it means such a lot for us at the Foundation to be involved with a name known throughout the world and we look forward to working closely with the team to increase awareness of both our Foundation and the Trust as well as, of course, supporting the squad on their 2025 Tour. The British & Irish Lions stands for so much that is good about the game of rugby and their values of respect, unity, integrity and friendship reflect how our Foundation works to bring people together in a special and supportive community.”
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was founded in November 2017, following former Scotland international Doddie Weir’s diagnosis with motor neuron disease (MND). Doddie Weir earned 61 caps for Scotland, along with representing The British & Irish Lions on their 1997 Tour of South Africa. The Foundation aims to raise funds to aid research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures, and to make grants to individuals suffering from MND, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible. To date, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has committed over £11 million to MND research, as well as providing grants to support people living with the disease.
Jill Douglas, CEO, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “Partnering with The British & Irish Lions Trust in 2021 was an incredibly significant moment for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and one that meant a great deal to Doddie too. To be asked to be a charity partner again for the 2025 Tour to Australia is an honour and one that will make a real difference as we seek effective treatments to MND. We’d like to thank The British & Irish Lions Trust for their ongoing support and look forward to creating an exciting calendar of activations with them.”
Wooden Spoon
Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, aims to positively transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people through the power of the rugby community. Projects include specialist playgrounds, sensory rooms for children with autism, out of school educational programmes and specialist adapted sports equipment.
Sarah Webb, CEO, Wooden Spoon said: “The British & Irish Lions gravitas in the rugby community is legendary and this partnership’s endorsement of Wooden Spoon’s grant making activities, really bolsters the ambitions of our volunteers and supporters. The Lions embodiment of coming together to support each other to succeed, resonates deeply with Wooden Spoon’s own community who tirelessly raise awareness and funds to positively transform the lives of children and young people facing disadvantage, through the power of the rugby.”
Source – British & Irish Lions
Figures from the rugby world and beyond have come together to pay tribute to Barry John following the British & Irish Lions star’s death aged 79.
John, nicknamed “The King” due to his brilliance from fly-half during the 1971 Tour of New Zealand, was considered one of the game’s greatest-ever players.
He was influential when the Lions beat the All Blacks 2-1 in a historic Tour and formed a legendary half-back partnership with fellow Welshman Sir Gareth Edwards.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Edwards said: “He was a one-off, no doubt about that.
“He was carefree but had such vision when it came to playing the game. Even under the most immense pressure he would just stand there, look up and do something unbelievable.
“He was friendly and always wanted to chat, but he was also lethal on the rugby field when he decided to do something.”
Along with his five appearances for The Lions across the 1968 and 1971 Tours, he earned 25 caps for Wales in a hugely successful period for the national side, winning three Five Nations, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns.
He called time on his career aged just 27 but provided inspiration for many who have gone on to wear the famous Wales or Lions shirts.
Former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton said: “What he contributed to the game, even now, 50 years later, still transcends rugby across the world and he hasn’t picked up a ball for 50 years.
“They are heroes for so many people. The legacy that they’ve left Welsh rugby means when you pick up that shirt that you’re following in their footsteps.”
His outlandish talent brought many new eyes to the sport, and a year before he retired, he finished third in the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, pipped only by Princess Anne and George Best.
Much like Best, he was not just adored on the field but loved off it with many stating he was rugby’s first star.
Saddened to hear of Barry John’s passing. We’ve lost another giant of Wales & Lions rugby, an icon of his era and an inspiration for a generation to get into rugby. Condolences to his family, friends & welsh rugby community.
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) February 5, 2024
Only one rugby player in history could have hung out and done photoshoots with George Best without appearing ludicrous. RIP Barry John 🏴 pic.twitter.com/OMpq6ygRSy
— Graham Thomas (@Graham_Thomas) February 4, 2024
RIP Barry ❤️🙏another one of my heroes sadly gone. #BarryJohnTheKing pic.twitter.com/HOD9S0ZsYq
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) February 4, 2024
My greatest idol of all time has gone, RIP Barry John I fell in love with rugby because of you. Another legend has left us but you and Gareth were the greatest of all time As a 6 year old boy I started watching him and only a few years later he had retired and I cried all week🙏 pic.twitter.com/OcK0Nh4so2
— John Devereux (@DevereuxJohn13) February 4, 2024
Along with his established international career, he brought joy to Cefneithin, Llanelli, Cardiff and Barbarians fans across the country.
It is with a heavy heart that we report of the passing our very own “Brenin” Barry John. Born and raised in the village, Barry went on to achieve greatness on the rugby field as well as serving as club president. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barry’s friends and family 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/0JemkLIbjG
— Cefneithin RFC (@CefneithinRFC) February 5, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the great Barry John
Barry played 87 games for the club across four seasons and was fly-half when we beat Australia in 1967
An icon of the game, our thoughts are with family, friends and former team-mates at this sad time pic.twitter.com/YhYkpWeQer
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) February 4, 2024
We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of Barry John. One of the greatest players to pull on the Blue and Black and what a partnership he shared with Sir Gareth.
An absolute icon of @Cardiff_RFC , @WelshRugbyUnion and @lionsofficial who will be dearly missed.… pic.twitter.com/6NTtzjnlpT
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) February 4, 2024
Very sad news as rugby loses another legendary talent & wonderful character.
RIP Barry 🏉
⚫️⚪️⚫️ https://t.co/MxJZKjf6zu
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) February 4, 2024
Barry John’s famous words to Gareth Edwards are remembered as “You throw it, I’ll catch it”.
In reality, they spoke Welsh with each other and he actually said, “Twla di fe, ddala i fe”. 🏉
He floated across the field with ease.
Nos da Barry John 🏴 pic.twitter.com/8PlgfUrLa3
— Cymru Wales 🏴 (@Cym_Wal) February 4, 2024
Former players and journalists from across rugby also shared their memories of one of Wales’s greatest athletes.
ITV’s Chris Skudder said: “He was so gifted as a fly-half, it was said he could side-step a player in a telephone box.
“There was only one Barry John.”
Newyddion trist iawn 💔
Another one of our great rugby sons leaves us.
Thank you King Barry John for the memories.
Nos da 🙏🏽🏴#BarryJohn pic.twitter.com/xn2N7ZOtu0
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) February 4, 2024
The front page in Wales on this sad Monday morning #BarryJohn #BarryJohnTheKing pic.twitter.com/seYvM379zv
— Mike Pearce Rugby (@MPsportsdragon) February 5, 2024
Very sad to hear the news of the passing of BARRY JOHN – ‘KING JOHN’ – LEGEND OF RUGBY LEGENDS and one of THE nicest guys I ever had the privilege of spending time with. What a gentleman and a lovely man. #BarryJohn #BarryJohnTheKing pic.twitter.com/LzGw4CZUiq
— Paul Trevillion (@PaulTrevillion) February 5, 2024
RIP Barry John, the King. Another legend of the game lost – very sad.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) February 4, 2024
Welsh Rugby Union’s president Terry Cobner added to the tributes, he said: “To be crowned ‘The King’ in New Zealand when every back row forward in both the North and South Islands is trying to take your head off is quite some accolade.”.
“For me, he has got to be right up there among the greatest outside halves who have ever played the game – probably the greatest.
“He was a glider, rather than a sidestepper, who had a subtle change of pace and direction. Coming on top of the recent deaths of Brian Price and JPR Williams, this is another huge blow for Welsh rugby.
“After what he did for Wales and the Lions in 1971, those of us who followed him into both teams always felt we had huge shoes to fill. He was and will remain a legend of our game.”
Source – British & Irish Lions
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