JJ Williams Dies Aged 72.

From the BBC:

Legendary Wales, British and Irish Lions and Llanelli wing JJ Williams has died at the age of 72.

He scored 12 tries in 30 Tests as Wales won four Five Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, during the 1970s.

A former sprinter who represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games, Williams also scored five tries in seven Tests for the Lions across two tours.

He sparkled on their unbeaten tour of South Africa in 1974, scoring two tries in each of the second and third Tests.

Huge success with Wales followed, as Williams helped his country win the Five Nations Championship four times between 1975 and 1979.

That included Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978 as Williams and his team-mates rubber-stamped their status as greats of not only Welsh rugby but the sport at large.

After retiring, Williams made a name for himself as an outspoken pundit, co-commentating on international and club rugby for BBC Wales.

One of his former clubs, Bridgend, tweeted on Thursday morning: "All at Bridgend Ravens are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player JJ Williams.

"Our thoughts are with JJ's family and friends at this tough time."

Former Wales second row Craig Quinnell was another to pay tribute, tweeting: "It's with a heavy heart I write this. My God father. My friend. My mentor and a inspiration to me passed away today. He was a legend to all. RIP JJ."

Very sad news indeed. Legend RIP

Another wizard from an era gone but never forgotten. RIP great.

A Welsh Legend.

Rugby Legend.

Sad news this.

Total legend. I didn't see him play, but I am aware of his playing record. I was more familiar of him at first, for his commentary but as I got more into rugby, I became more aware of him.

When you get to my age, it is sad to see all the great players that you saw when you were in your developing years as a player i.e. teens, slowly passing away. In my mid/late 60's now so saw the great Welsh teams of the 70's handing England a thrashing or two.

It reminds you of your own mortality.

A sad day. I remember watching JJ back in the 70s. He had an astonishing step which I tried to emulate when I played. RIP JJ.

A Legend and an Icon.
He was a household name in any rugby household across the globe, someone I myself tried unsuccessfully to emulate in my mini-rugby days.

Another icon of my formative rugby years passes away.

Hard to state nowadays how good that Welsh side of the 70s was and he was an integral part of it.

Not a bad player.

At dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Sad news, condolances to his family.