From a Welsh International athlete performing in the sprints in the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh (!970), to becoming a fully-fledged rugby player for Wales and the Lions. Brilliant, truly brilliant, in both. One of the very best of wingers in whom you could feel confident as a match winner.
Although, in expectation, there appears to be very little in it, in replacing spikes for the studded rugby boot, there is in fact, a significant difference. To run in straight lines on the synthetic surface, with no hindrance, is quite a different prospect to running with soil clinging to the soles of your feet, a ball in hand, looking to left and right, and chased by any number of people trying to stop you.
When you watched JJ, the rugby player, you saw the training of the track and field athlete in his running. He was a stylish runner, smooth, elegant and effortless with all his limbs moving in unison – no elbows jutting out, no shoulders rolling, all the action of joints and limbs in rapport with his legs, fixed on the target ahead. He was comfortable in his stride. Always giving the impression of being unhurried, in control. So good to watch.
This was evident in all the games he played and the manner of his wonderful try scoring ability. I believe this was shown at his best when he toured with the Lions in South Africa in 1974 where the firmer, less pliant pitch surfaces allowed for the ripening of his game and so gave him the platform for a perfect expression of his style. Two tries in each of the second and third Tests is a true testimony of his polished and scintillating play and of his intensely competitive temperament.
He was particularly in favour of the run, chip ahead and chase with the hard surface allowing for a more favourable bounce of the ball. Such a move became a symbol of his personal way of playing the game, the JJ trademark. One of the best of wingers.
And one of the best of companions over a rugby weekend which I had the good fortune to be with him on many occasions when he was a pundit with the BBC. It was always enjoyable. He had very forthright comments on the way the game was developing and of the players he had just watched. While others might pull their punches about this player or that, JJ would have no truck with any delicacies. He would tell it as it was. He was always interesting and refreshing in his analysis.
He was truly a lovely man, a great friend and companion who has left us all with a memorable legacy
This emerged, I would have thought, from his time as an athlete which is a more solitary activity than rugby, a team game, of checks and balances. While in athletics there is no arguing with the tape at the finishing line, you win or you lose and upon your shoulders rests the sole responsibility. Which, of course, is not the case in a team game like rugby where are so many ‘ifs’ and ’buts’. Commentators tend to prevaricate.
I really enjoyed listening to JJ’s view. It was clear and precise, and always frank. And at the end of it all there was always a time for a good laugh. He was great company.
It must be added too of his contribution to injured players. He arranged many functions to raise funds for them.
To begin with he worked tirelessly to get an International Players room in the new stadium which was not an easy task to accomplish against some initial resistance. Finally, he succeeded, so that, as well as our memories of him as a distinguished player, is now a very practical testimony to his contribution to Welsh rugby.
He was truly a lovely man, a great friend and companion who has left us all with a memorable legacy.
