JPR Collection: Foreword by Sir Gareth Edwards
Foreword by Sir Gareth Edwards
Many years before I heard the immortal initials JPR uttered, I had heard of a young aspiring tennis player, who was also an exceptional Rugby player. His name was John Williams, and he hailed from Bridgend. I was at Millfield School at the time, which ironically John was to follow the year I left.
A couple years later we became colleagues in the same Welsh Rugby team. The 1969 Welsh side was a collection of young players, under the guidance of a new Welsh Coach, Clive ‘Top Cat’ Rowlands. With a licence to play an expansive and exciting brand of Rugby Football, the script was set for such a young swashbuckling fullback as John.
Of course, a couple years later we were joined by another John Williams, the lightning-fast former Welsh athlete from Nantymoel, and therefore JPR and JJ would be their identity forever more.
If I had to describe ‘Japes’ in one word, I would say Competitor. We have all heard of his many Rugby exploits, but two stories I have often retold that epitomise him more than anything would be firstly a tale from a Welsh Tour in Japan in 1975. We had some downtime between tests and JPR and I found ourselves at a Tokyo Tennis Club in the shadow of the Olympic stadium, where ‘Lyn the Leap’ famously took Gold in 1964. Challenged by the leading Club Champions for a game of doubles, JPR could not refuse. I reluctantly went along, fancying myself as a bit of tennis player in my youth, but apprehensive, nonetheless. After a series of bullet like serves from the opposition, he demanded of me with his rocklike stare and uttered the words ‘Gar, just get it back, and I will do the rest’. Suffice to say we eventually won a fantastic duel. I must admit, I wondered what if he had chosen the felt lush surfaces of SW19 instead of the many muddy pitches we frequented. I for one am grateful he chose the oval ball.
The second tale I have always enjoyed reminiscing about was an end of season Rugby awards for Tondu RFC, just outside of Bridgend. It was the mid 90’s and my youngest son Rhys was a member of their 1st XV, and I had been asked to present the awards. Imagine my surprise when I had the privileged honour of presenting the 3rd XV player of the season award to a young, and upcoming Flanker. It was none other than an almost 50 year old JPR Williams! Upon receipt of his award, and without any hesitation he announced it to the entire gathering that it was one of proudest moments of his life! That was so typical of John. Regardless of the occasion, if it was competition, then he aimed to be the best he could be.
JPR’s collection of memorabilia, is a timeline of a life spent giving nothing short of 100%. Items that symbolise the many memories in which he contributed along with his teammates, of which I was proud to be one.
Gareth
