Bleddyn Williams

Infobox Rugby biography
name = Bleddyn Williams


caption =
birthname = Bleddyn Williams
nickname =
birthyear = 1923
birthmonth = 2
birthday = 22
placeofbirth = Taff's Well, Wales [ [http://www.wru.co.uk/12750_14256.php?player=26394&includeref=dynamic WRU player profiles] ]
deathyear =
deathmonth =
deathday =
placeofdeath =
height = 5ft. 10ins.Thomas (1979), pg 109.]
weight = 13 st.
ru_position = Centre
ru_amateuryears =
ru_amateurclubs = Cardiff RFC
ru_amclubcaps =
ru_amclubpoints =
ru_amupdate =
ru_nationalteam = Wales British Lions [ [http://www.scrum.com/1200_1205.php?player=26394&includeref=dynamic Scrum.com Player profiles] ]
ru_nationalyears = 1947-1955
1950
ru_nationalcaps = 22
5
ru_nationalpoints = (21)
(3)
ru_ntupdate =
ru_coachclubs =
ru_coachyears =
ru_coachupdate =
other =
occupation =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school = Rydal School
university =
url =

Bleddyn Williams MBE (born 22 February 1923, at Taff's Well, near Cardiff), was a Welsh rugby union centre. He played in 22 internationals for Wales, captaining them five times, winning each time, and captained the British Lions in 1950 for some of their tour of Australia and New Zealand. Considered to be the nonpareil of Welsh centres he was robust in the tackle and known for his strong leadership and surging runs, he was often referred to as 'The Prince Of Centres'.

Early history

A resident of Penarth, Williams lived near Albert Road School but attended Rydal School in Colwyn Bay from the age of 14 until he was 18. He had already played for the Welsh Schoolboys in 1937 when he had been recommended for a scholarship to Rydal by legendary rugby player Wilf Wooller. At Rydal he played at outside half and was seen as one of the school's star players and managed to play for Cardiff Athletic during the 1938/39 season before the outbreak of the war.Thomas (1979), pg 110.] During World War Two he joined the Royal Air Force and saw service on the continent.

During war-time Williams joined Cardiff and switched his position to centre. He forged a famous centre partnership for Cardiff with Dr Jack Matthews and along with Billy Cleaver they made one of the most formidable midfield trios the club has ever produced. Each of Bleddyn's seven brothers also played for Cardiff, and his younger brother Lloyd represented Wales in the 1960s. At one time four of the siblings played in the same Cardiff team together and between them had a Cardiff career that spanned thirty years.

International career

In 1953 he had the unique distinction of captaining his club (Cardiff), and his country (Wales), to victory against the touring New Zealand All Blacks.

Later life

He was made an MBE in the 2005 New Year's Honours list, an award he accepted with typical modesty by saying he owed it to his team mates.

He suffered a heart attack in his Cardigan holiday home and was rescued when his now late wife Violet gave him the kiss of life.

Bibliography

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References