Infotainment Factory: Giant-killing Welsh rugby legend dies

Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams has died at age 74.

He was recently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

A statement from his family 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."

The fullback made 55 appearances for his country and eight with the British & Irish Lions throughout the 1970s.

JPR Williams played for Wales as well as the British & Irish Lions.

His debut with Wales came in 1969 with his last international cap coming in 1981.

Williams was a stalwart of club sides London Welsh (1968-1976), the Barbarians (1969-1977), Bridgend Ravens (1976-1990) and Tondu (1990-2003).

Williams was part of the only British & Irish Lions team to date to defeat New Zealand, winning two Tests in 1971.

He was also part of the winning team that toured South Africa in 1974.

Williams was regarded as an icon of Welsh rugby during his time, known for his distinctive sideburns, socks, and running style.

The British & Irish Lions described Williams as "one of the greatest ever Lions" and "a man who inspired so many".

So prolific was Williams that he played into his 50s, finally retiring in 2003 with Tondu.

Outside of rugby, he was an orthopaedic surgeon. His father Peter, a doctor, famously stitched Williams face mid-Test after being stood on by New Zealand prop John Ashworth.

John Peter Rhys Williams simply became known as JPR when countryman JJ Williams joined the national team.

Wales' JPR Williams dives over to score a try.

Speaking with BBC 5 Live, former Wales captain Jonathan Davies hailed Williams as a legend.

"Not many people can go by their initial – and he was known as JPR," said Davies.

"I remember watching him growing up. He was an absolute rock in defence with the tackles he made.

"If you wanted anybody behind you at fullback, I could not think of anybody better.

"When he was with the 1974 Lions in South Africa, when the fights broke out, he kept running in from fullback to punch the forwards. 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 fullbacks in any era, you hear about the greats like Serge Blanco and Christian Cullen, JPR is always in the mix."

Williams is survived by his wife Scilla and his four children.