Johnnie Williams

Infobox Rugby biography
name = Johnnie Williams


caption =
birthname = John L. Williams
nickname =
birthyear = 1882
birthmonth = 1
birthday = 3
placeofbirth = Whitchurch [ [http://www.wru.co.uk/12750_14256.php?player=26403&includeref=dynamic Welsh Rugby Union player profiles] ] , Wales
deathyear = 1916
deathmonth = 7
deathday = 12
placeofdeath = Mametz, Somme, France
height =
weight =
ru_position = Wing
ru_amateuryears =
ru_amateurclubs = Cardiff RFC
ru_amclubcaps =
ru_amclubpoints =
ru_amupdate =
ru_nationalteam = Wales
Anglo-Welsh
ru_nationalyears = 1906-1911
1908
ru_nationalcaps = 17
2
ru_nationalpoints = (51)
ru_ntupdate =
ru_coachclubs =
ru_coachyears =
ru_coachupdate =
other =
occupation =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school =
university =
url =

Johnnie Williams (1882–1916) was a Welsh international wing who played club rugby for Cardiff Rugby Club. A three times Triple Crown winner, out of seventeen appearances for Wales he was on the losing side only twice.

Williams was noted for his side stepThomas (1979), pg 46.] and his inward swerve when running the touch-line was a signature move. When the 1906 touring South Africans played Cardiff, Williams managed to side step the great Arthur Marsberg to score a try. As Williams walked back Marsberg was so impressed he approached Williams and shook his hand.

Williams fought for his country in World War I and served in the 38th (Welsh) Infantry Division. He died in the first few weeks of the Battle of the Somme, in the taking of Mametz Woods.cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/01/29/srgall129.xml | title=A century since Wales first won Grand Slam | publisher=The Telegraph | author=Brendan Gallagher | date=2008-01-29 | accessdate=2008-07-26]

International career

Williams was first capped in 1906 against the first touring South Africa. Although seen as one of the worst Welsh performances the selectors kept faith in Williams and he would play for Wales a further sixteen times. Williams was part of three Welsh Triple Crown winning sides, lost only two matches and scored 17 tries in his 17 games. In the 1911 game against France, Billy Trew gave the captaincy to Williams. [ [http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/13032008/4/wales-grand-slam-triumphs.html Wales' Grand Slam Triumph] , Yahoo Sport]

In 1908 Williams was part of Arthur Harding's Anglo-Welsh team that toured the Antipodes. Although an unsuccessful tour Williams played well and ended as the teams top try scorer.

"International matches played"Smith (1980), pg 473.]
* Australia 1908
* England 1907, 1908, 1909, 1911
* France 1909, 1911
* Ireland 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911
* Scotland 1907, 1908, 1909, 1911
* South Africa 1906

Bibliography

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References