- Date of Birth22 / 02 / 1923
- Died06 / 07 / 2009
- Lions Tours1950
- International CapsWales / Lions
- Lions Origin ClubsWelsh Academicals, Taffs Well, Cardiff Athletic, Barbarians, Royal Air Force, Cardiff Rugby, Newbridge
Nicknamed ‘The Prince of Centres’, Bleddyn Williams skippered the Lions in two Tests of their 1950 Tour to New Zealand and Australia, deputising for injured captain Karl Mullen.
The Welshman appeared in 21 matches on that Tour, five of them Tests, and scored 13 tries – the most notable of which came in the 19-6 victory over Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Williams, famed for his crunching tackles, line-breaking runs and inspirational demeanour, earned 22 caps for Wales between 1947 and 1955 and captained his country to a 13-8 win over the touring All Blacks in December 1953 – the last victory secured by Wales over New Zealand.
He was forced to retire from rugby at the age of 32 due to injury and went into the media working as the rugby union correspondent for the Sunday People for 30 years. He passed away in 2009.