JPR Williams: Inside Rugby Union star’s life with wife Scilla

FORMER Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams has died aged 74.

Here we take a look inside the late Rugby Union star’s life and his marriage to wife Scilla.

Who was Rugby Union star JPR Williams?

John Peter Rhys Williams, born March 2, 1949, was a Welsh Rugby Union player.

He became known as JPR after another John Williams, JJ, made his Wales debut in 1973.

He was known as a fearless player, remembered for his aggressive and attacking style.

Throughout his sporting career, JPR Williams won 55 Wales caps and started all eight Tests on the victorious Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971, and South Africa three years later.

Williams was also one of a small group of Welsh players to have won three Grand Slams including Gerald Davies, Gareth Edwards, Ryan Jones, Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Alun Wyn Jones.

In 1977, JPR Williams was appointed an MBE for services to rugby.

Away from rugby, he was an orthopaedic surgeon and studied medicine at St Mary’s in Paddington following a spell at the prestigious Millfield School in Somerset. 

On January 8, 2024, it was reported that the former Rugby Union star had passed away aged 74.

His death was announced by Bridgend Ravens – formerly known as Bridgend, a club that Williams served for as both a player and club president.

A statement on their website read: ”Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams.

”An icon of the world game, John Peter Rhys Williams served Bridgend Ravens as a player and most recently as club president.

”He was capped 55 times for Wales and made eight Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

”Highlights of his illustrious career included winning two Schweppes Cup titles with Bridgend in 1979 and 1980, and three (Five Nations) Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978 for Wales.

”Following his retirement from the game, JPR became a key figure of the club’s administrative team, serving as Bridgend Ravens club president – a role he held until his passing.

“JPR’s passing leaves a huge void at the club, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.”

Following the news of his death, a statement from the Williams family provided to the BBC read: “JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis.

“The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

When did JPR Williams and Scilla Williams get married?

Away from the world of sport, JPR Williams was married to his wife Scilla – also a doctor.

It is not known exactly when the couple wed, however, according to reports the pair resided in a rural setting in the Vale of Glamorgan prior to his passing.

Did JPR Williams and Scilla Williams have any children?

Aside from his wife, JPR Williams is also survived by the couples children.

During their time together, Williams and Scilla welcomed four children.

They shared three daughters, Lauren, Annie, and Fran, and a son named Peter.

Like their father, Williams’ children also shared a passion for sport.

His daughters all played hockey for Wales, with Lauren and Annie also taking part in the 1998 Common Wealth Games in Kuala Lumpar.

Meanwhile, the couple’s son Peter was a promising amateur golfer.