Rhys Haydn Williams

Rhys Haydn Williams

Rhys Haydn Williams was born in Cwmllynfell on 14 July 1930 and educated at Ystalyfera Grammar School and University College, Cardiff. He later became an education officer in the RAF, worked for the Steel Company of Wales, and finished his professional career in educational administration. One of the most distinguished Barbarians, 'RH' Williams played 22 games for the Club between 1954 and 1959, a record for a Welshman. He was a leading member of the two pioneering tours to Canada in 1957 and South Africa a year later. On the latter he captained the Barbarians to a famous victory over Northern Transvaal. He also led the side in the 100th anniversary match against Blackheath at the White City Stadium in 1959. In later years he served on the Barbarian committee from 1975 to 1984 and was also a Welsh selector and vice-president of the WRU. A member of the Llanelli club, whom he captained in 1957-58, he also played a short while for Bristol. He gained 23 caps for Wales, the first in 1954 and the last as captain against England in 1960. By then he had established himself as a world-class lock on two British Isles tours to South Africa in 1955 and Australasia in 1959 when his total of 39 games included all ten test matches. RH Williams died on 27 January 1993, aged 62.