JPR: THE MOST FEARLESS, MOST POSITIVE PERSON I EVER MET... I THOUGHT HE WAS INDESTRUCTIBLE

London Welsh, Wales and Lions team mate John Taylor pays tribute to his best pal and a genuine rugby great

BRAVE, to the point of reckless disregard for his own safety, JPR Williams - a player so good just his initials were sufficient identity - flung himself in harm's way.

Scotland winger Billy Steel, trying to hurdle the tackle, caught the last line of defence in the face with his knee, and the great Wales full-back was forced to retire hurt with a fractured cheekbone.

To widespread astonishment, Williams reappeared at the post-match dinner four hours later, chewing defiantly on his steak even when every mouthful must have been an ordeal by cement-mixer.

It was one of half-a-dozen serious facial injuries JPR sustained (above top, hurt playing for Wales in 1975) in a golden age for Welsh rugby.

By far the most gruesome was his collection of 30 stitches after being stamped on and raked at the base of a ruck while captaining Bridgend in a tour match against the All Blacks (above, circle).

After being pieced back together, he rejoined the fray and delivered the beaten captain's speech at dinner with blood still trickling down his face.