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Johnnie Williams IV - 6'3 Shooting Guard (Class of 2019)
John Lewis "Johnnie" Williams (3 January 1882 – 12 July 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.
Contents
- Johnnie Williams IV 63 Shooting Guard Class of 2019
- Private Life
- Rugby career
- International matches played
- References
Private Life
He was born the son of Edward Lewis in Llwyncelyn, Whitchurch, Glamorgan.
Williams fought for his country in the First World War and served as a captain in the 38th (Welsh) Infantry Division. He died in the first few weeks of the Battle of the Somme, in the taking of Mametz Wood. He is buried in Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, near Amiens, France. He was married to Mabel.
Rugby career
Williams was noted for his side step 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 was first capped in 1906 against the first touring South Africa team. 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.
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
Wales