J. J. Williams (rugby union)
John James Williams MBE (1 April 1948 – 29 October 2020), known universally as J. J. Williams, was a rugby union player who gained thirty caps for Wales as a winger. In his early career, Williams was a talented sprinter, later becoming a member of the Wales rugby team that won the Five Nations Championship in 1975, 1976, 1978 and 1979, including Grand Slam wins in 1976 and 1978.
| Birth name | John James Williams | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 1 April 1948 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Nantyffyllon, Maesteg, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 29 October 2020 (aged 72) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Maesteg Grammar School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Cardiff College of Education | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Williams played for the Bridgend Ravens and Llanelli RFC in the 1970s. His time at Llanelli included a famous win against the All Blacks in 1972. He was a key try creator and scorer for the 1974 British Lions tour to South Africa. After his retirement in 1980, Williams became a pundit and commentator for BBC Cymru Wales and later a successful businessman. His son, Rhys, is a professional track and field athlete.