Bleddyn Llewellyn Williams

Bleddyn Llewellyn Williams

Bleddyn Llewellyn Williams was born in Taffs Well, near Cardiff, on 22 February 1923 and educated at Rydal School. Whilst there he captained the Anglo-Welsh Public Schools against Welsh Secondary Schools at Cardiff Arms Park, a venue which became synonymous with his playing career and later service to the game. Known as the "Prince of Centres", he went on to score 185 tries in 283 games for Cardiff between 1945 and 1955. He was club captain in 1949-50 and 1953-54, the latter gaining him legendary status with Cardiff's victory over New Zealand and, five weeks later, as captain again when Wales beat the All Blacks again at the Arms Park.Having first tasted representative rugby for Wales in the Services internationals during World War II and the Victory internationals immediately after it, he gained the first of his 22 full caps for Wales against England in 1947. He captained his country five times and with five wins. In 1950 he was vice-captain of the British Isles in New Zealand, Australia and Ceylon, playing in 21 games, seven of them as captain, and scoring 13 tries. A popular Barbarian, he captained the Club in two of his 11 appearances, which included the fixtures against Australia in 1948 and South Africa in 1952. He was also on the Barbarian committee from 1949 to 1951 and in his later years was president of Cardiff Athletic Club. Three of his brothers - A.D., Cenydd and Lloyd - were also Barbarians. Bleddyn Williams died on 6 July 2009, aged 86.