John Williams (South African rugby union)


Johannes Gerhardus 'John' Williams is a former South African rugby union player and coach.

Playing career

Williams played his senior provincial rugby in South Africa for. He made his test debut for the Springboks in 1971 against the touring French team on 12 June 1971 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. He also played test matches against Australia in 1971, England in 1972, the British Lions in 1974 and the 1976 All Blacks. He played in a further eleven tour matches, scoring one try for the Springboks.

Test history

Coaching career

Williams was the Northern Transvaal coach from 1987 to 1991 and coached his team to the Currie Cup final in each year. Northern Transvaal won three of the finals, in 1987, 1988 and 1991 and in 1989 they shared the title with. In 1992 Williams was appointed as Springbok coach.