Professor Williams, formerly Professor of Medicine at Cardiff University, was the Wales national team doctor for more than 12 years and recently moved to a new role at the WRU taking responsibility for match-day medical facilities at the Millennium Stadium and liaison with key IRB committees on behalf of the WRU.
Since 1996 his work with the WRU has developed in parallel with his full time medical career, which has developed treatment and internationally renowned research initiatives.
He recently retired as Professor of Medicine and Professor of Nephrology at the University Hospital of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff.
Through his passion for rugby he joined the WRU in an honorary role as the A Team doctor from 1996 until 1999 when he also took on National Team duties.
During his tenure with the senior Wales team, Professor Williams worked with colleagues to construct and install medical care systems and initiatives appropriate for the developments with the elite game.
A WRU spokesperson said: “Professor John Williams can be proud of the excellent service he continues to give to Welsh rugby through such an important chapter of its history.
“He has been instrumental in setting in place systems and structures which have met the demands of the enormous changes happening within the modern game and continues to play a key role in the WRU medical structure. This latest recognition of his services to medicine can be added to a long list of accolades with regards to his services to rugby.”
