'J.P.R.’ not ruled out

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 20

'J.P.R.’ not ruled out

NZPA London

A former captain and inspiration, J. P. R. Williams, could still play for Wales against the All Blacks on November 1, in spite of not being named in the country’s national squad of 32 on Friday. The new . Welsh selection chairman (Mr Keith Rowlands) said the squad, from which the national team is picked, could be amended at any time. The five selectors were not even bound to pick from the squad. . Williams, who “retired” at the end of the 1978-79 season, said he was dis-

appointed at not... being named in the squad, but would still press ahead with his comeback plans.

He said at the end of last season that he would return for the Welsh centenary,' at least with his club, Bridgend, which he captained in the infamous match against the 1978 All Blacks. After that game, he said he would never play against New Zealand again. If Williams was considered for international rugby again he would need to assure the Welsh union that profits from his best-selling autobiography have not gone into

: his, pocket. The Welsh union 18 months ago cleared him of an alleged breach of rugby’s strict amateur rules. The Welsh and Lions flanker, Stuart Lane, is the only other notable absentee from the squad. He is still recovering from the leg injury which put him out of the Lions’ tour of South Africa.

The fiery flanker, Paul Ringer, is, as expected, in the squad. ' Wales’ first match of | the season is against an overseas XV on September. 1 20. It is the only warm-up game for the All Blacks , that the Welsh will have!