Born at Taff's Well, near Cardiff, he was the third of eight brothers[4] Williams attended Rydal School in Colwyn Bay from the age of 14 until he was 18.

He had already played for the Welsh Schoolboys in 1937 when he had been recommended for a scholarship to Rydal by legendary rugby player Wilf Wooller.

[7] Williams took part in various Commando and Parachute Regiment campaigns, piloting a glider in Operation Varsity – the crossing of the River Rhine into Germany – with a cargo of medical and radio supplies.

He then spent a week sleeping rough, before bumping into his commanding officer, Hugh Bartlett DFC, the Sussex County Cricket Club batsman, on a Friday morning: "Williams aren't you meant to be at Welford Road tomorrow playing for Great Britain against the Dominions?

Williams caught the last supply plane to RAF Brize Norton that night, and although the team didn't win he did score a try.

[4] Williams made his debut for Wales in January 1947 against England as a fly-half, playing alongside Haydn Tanner.

[10] After injury forced him to retire at the age of 32 in 1955, Williams began a career in the media, establishing himself as an authoritative commentator on the game.

[4] He was made an MBE in the 2005 New Year Honours list, an award he accepted with typical modesty by saying he owed it to his team mates.

[11] He was the president of Cardiff Athletic Club[12] Post war, Williams married Violet; the couple had a son and two daughters.

[6] On 6 July 2009, Williams died at the Holme Tower medical centre in Cardiff, after suffering ill health for some time.