William Henry Williams (rugby union)

For other Sportsmen named William Williams see William Williams

For other Sportsmen named Billy Williams see Billy Williams

William Henry "Buller" Williams (1873 – 9 January 1936) was a Welsh international rugby union forward who played club rugby for Pontymister RFC; and represented Wales. In 1900, Williams became a Triple Crown winning player when he represented Wales in all three of the games during the Home Nations Championship.

William Henry Williams

Williams in Welsh jersey
Birth name	William Henry Williams
Date of birth	1873
Place of birth	Pontlottyn, Caerphilly County Borough, Wales
Date of death	9 January 1936 (aged 62–63)
Place of death	Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Occupation(s)	mason
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) Pontymister RFC () – London Welsh RFC () International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1900-1901 Wales 4 (6)

Rugby career

"Buller" Williams played club rugby for Pontmister, one of the few second-tier clubs from the Monmouthshire area to have provided international players to the Welsh squad. Williams was the second player from Pontymister to represent Wales, following Joseph Booth who earned a single cap in 1898. Williams was first chosen for the Welsh squad as part of 1900 Home Nations Championship, playing in the opening game against England. Williams, along with Bob Thomas, were the two new caps brought into the forward positions for the game. Wales won the game 13-3, and Williams was reselected for the second game of the tournament, over Scotland. Wales beat Scotland, scoring four tries in the process, with Williams among the scorers, his first international points. The final game, away to Ireland, decided the Championship, and Wales took the Triple Crown with the only points coming from Swansea's George Davies.

Williams played just one more international game for Wales, the opener of the 1901 Championship, again against England. The game ended in another confident win for Wales, with Williams again on the score sheet with another try. The next match he was replaced by Hopkin Davies.

International matches played

Wales

• England 1900, 1901
• Scotland 1900
• Ireland 1900

Bibliography

• Godwin, Terry (1984). The International Rugby Championship 1883-1983. Grafton Street, London: Willow Books. ISBN 0-00-218060-X.
• Griffiths, John (1987). The Phoenix Book of International Rugby Records. London: Phoenix House. ISBN 0-460-07003-7.
• Smith, David; Williams, Gareth (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3.