The flying doctor lands
JPR Williams was born on this day in 1949
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1949
JPR Williams was born. Revered the world over as one of, if not the, finest fullbacks ever to come out of the northern hemisphere, he won 55 caps for Wales between 1969 and 1981. A keen tennis player in his youth, Williams chose to pursue the then amateur game of rugby as it allowed him to further his career as an orthopaedic surgeon. His decision was rugby's gain, as he went on not only to star in a Welsh jersey but also for the British and Irish Lions. Such was his passion for the game that he continued to play club rugby at all levels long after his retirement from the top flight.
2010
Wales back-row Andy Powell was banned from driving for 15 months after pleading guilty to driving a golf buggy while unfit through drink. Powell was arrested at a motorway service station at junction 33 of the M4 hours after Wales' thrilling Six Nations victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on February 13. He was subsequently dropped from the squad for the rest of the tournament and pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates' Court where was also ordered to pay a £1000 fine and £100 costs. "I realise that many young sportsmen and women look up to international rugby players and that some of them may be amused by my antics with a golf buggy," said the Cardiff Blues star. "However, they should note my regret and be aware that I do not excuse or condone drink driving in any form."
1991
Tries by Rory Underwood and Mike Teague brought home England's first Triple Crown for 11 years. Will Carling's team won 16-7 against Ireland in Dublin to set up a winner-take-all Grand Slam showdown with France a fortnight later which they won 21-19. It was a close thing. Ireland took the lead in the 24th minute and held onto it until nine minutes from the end. Simon Hodgkinson's eight points took him past Dusty Hare's record of 44 in a Five Nations campaign.
1974
Jean-Pierre Romeu became only the third player in Championship history to score with a full house of actions - try, conversion, penalty and drop - helping France to a 12-12 draw against England in Paris. The match was described as "fast and furious and abounding in mistakes", and from 12-3 down ten minutes into the second half, England fought back through the boot of Alan Old and a David Duckham try.
1908
Wales and France met for the first time at Test level on a Monday afternoon at Cardiff and the home side cruised to a 36-4 victory. Winger Reggie Gibbs scored four tries for the home side while skipper Teddy Morgan and centre Billy Trew both scored braces.
1908
On the same day, the RFU issued its report into professionalism, deciding that while it no longer existed in the game, there were instances where expenses paid had been "too lavish". But the detailed findings were kept under wraps as "nothing would be served by making them public".
1889
Ireland's first Test victory on Welsh soil. They beat the home side by two tries to nil on the St Helen's Ground, Swansea. The score was tied 0-0 in terms of goals scored at full time, with tries therefore deciding the game.
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