'JJ' was the master of the kick and chase who played for Wales in 30 consecutive matches and represented the British Lions on two tours. He began his career at Bridgend but moved to Llanelli where he would remain. However, athletics could have claimed him as he represented Wales in the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. Fortunately he chose rugby. With lightning pace and creativity he soon caught the eye of Welsh selectors and won his first cap as a replacement against France in 1973. Combining cleverly with Gareth Edwards, he was a potent threat when Edwards executed a blindside kick.
In the 1974 season he scored tries against Ireland and France and was picked to tour South Africa with the British Lions. In a historic test series Williams was a revelation, scoring twelve tries in as many appearances. In the match against South West Districts he scored six tries to equal the achievement of David Duckham in 1971. He scored a record four tries in the tests, two each in the second and third test. In the 1975 season his prolific scoring continued with two tries in the Five Nations and a hat trick against Australia. The Grand Slam followed the next season and again the winger scored a brace of tries. There was 'only' a Triple Crown in 1977 but Williams was again chosen to play for the Lions in New Zealand.
This squad did not include the talented backs of previous tours but he would again shine, scoring ten tries on tour, including the winning try in the second test. Sadly his tour was ended in the third test. There was still time for a Grand Slam and Triple Crown in the 1978 and 1979 seasons before retirement. 'JJ' went on to become a respected commentator as well as running 'J.J. Williams Painting Services Ltd', a commercial and industrial painters based in Pyle, close to Bridgend. All three of his children have excelled in athletics, with Rhys Williams winning a gold medal in the 400m Hurdles at the 2012 European Championships in Helsinki and silver medals in 2006 & 2010 at the championships. (John Lovell) |