Wales and Lions winger JJ Williams has passed away at the age of 72.
The news was announced by his former club, Bridgend, on Thursday, October 29, and tributes have been pouring in from across the Welsh and rugby communities.
Williams won 30 caps for Wales between 1973 and 1979, scoring 12 tries and sharing in Grand Slam and Triple Crown glory.
He went on two Lions tours - to South Africa in 1974 and New Zealand in 1977 - playing in seven Tests and touching down five times.
He played a major role as part of the unbeaten 1974 team, scoring two tries in both the second and third Tests against the Springboks, earning the title “The Welsh Whippet”.
Williams is survived by his wife Jane and three children, Kathryn, James and Rhys.
He had been battling cancer, and died just days after his brother Peter, a well-respected rugby coach who gave so much to the game.
Born in Nantyffyllon and educated at Maesteg Grammar School, John James Williams was a talented track athlete, representing Wales in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970 and becoming Welsh sprint champion in 1971.
He then went on to make his mark in rugby, during a glittering career which took in spells with Maesteg, Bridgend and Llanelli.
In all, he made 223 appearances for the Scarlets over nine seasons, playing on the right wing in the side which recorded the famous 9-3 victory over New Zealand at Stradey Park on October 31, 1972.
After hanging up his boots, he became a regular pundit on TV and radio, while he ran a commercial and industrial painting company based in Pyle.
JJ's son James said: "Our amazing Dad passed away peacefully this morning. As a family we would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages and tributes.
"Dad lived life to the full right to the end and we will miss him forever. Love you Dad x".
All three of his children have represented Wales at track and field events, with his son Rhys winning European Championship gold in the 400 metres hurdles in Helsinki in 2012. He also won a Commonwealth Games silver medal and also represented Team GB at the Olympics and World Championships.
Kathryn became a Welsh international and British junior 400 hurdler, while James ran for Wales in the middle distance and captained Cardiff AAC.
Announcing news of JJ’s death, Bridgend RFC posted: “All at Bridgend Ravens are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player JJ Williams.
“Alongside the honour of playing for Bridgend, he went on to represent Wales and the Lions.
“Our thoughts are with JJ’s family and friends at this tough time.”
The Welsh Rugby Union said: "All our thoughts are with JJ's family and friends at this sad time."
British & Irish Lions said we have "lost a true legend of the game – RIP JJ Williams A man who inspired a generation with his incredible running and finishing abilities".
Friend and former team-mate Gareth Edwards said: "JJ was everything - great player, great athlete, great character, great friend. And I just loved the banter, pulling his leg.
"I will never forget the smiles, the leg pulling, the banter, the comradeship. A world-class rugby player, an even better friend."
Former Llanelli, Wales and Lions team-mate Phil Bennett said: "It's a sad, sad day. It's hit me for six a little bit. I was just so proud that we shared so many games and tours together.
"A remarkable player. I'd put him up there among the very best. It was a pleasure to have played, and even more, to have known as a person."
Former Wales and Lions teammate JPR Williams, who was a part of that all-conquering Wales side of the 1970s and the invincible Lions squad, said: "When you're talking about greats of the game, I think he's got to be a part of that conversation. I think he'll go down as one of the great Welsh wingers."
Former Wales second row Craig Quinnell was another to pay tribute, tweeting: “It’s with a heavy heart I write this. My godfather. My friend. My mentor and a inspiration to me passed away today. He was a legend to all. RIP JJ.”
Veteran rugby journalist Peter Jackson added his thoughts, saying: "I write this with the heaviest of hearts. The great JJ Williams passed away this morning.
"His most famous feat - 4 tries in the same 4-match Lions' Test series - ensures he will be talked about as long as rugby is played."
