The Fans
Legends
In its rich history, Bristol has nurtured some of the great stars of the past and present.
We would like to thank Dave Fox and Mark Hoskins for allowing us to take advantage of the superb research they did for their book "Bristol Football Club (RFU) - 100 Greats". Dave and Mark contributed the information and the images.
If you would like to get more information on the club, its players and its history, then you can buy their book at most leading bookshops in Bristol.
To search for a particular player, use the Search box below.
Chris Williams
Position Centre
Date of Birth 25/12/1950
Honours England Schools, South & South West, Gloucestershire
Career 1970-83 310 games
Scored 239 pts (60 tries)
Chris Williams was one of the most powerful and resourceful of all Bristol centres. An aggressive tackler, he played in the Bristol three-quarter line for nearly 13 seasons.
A supporter of Bristol since the age of nine, he joined the club at nineteen, having been capped as a schoolboy by England. Previously an outside half with Aretians, he made his Bristol United debut as a wing at Cwmbran in April 1970, but it was as a full back that he made his first XV debut, against Harlequins at Twickenham the following November, giving a faultless display.
However, Bristol's perceptive captain, Dave Rollitt, looked carefully at Williams. He took him under his wing and helped him develop into a tough centre. He became an integral part of the team and was rarely out of the side.
Williams possessed an unique tackling style which was raw, natural and ferocious. He repelled opponents' attacks with powerful "hits" and forced countless turnovers. He never shirked a challenge adopting the philosophy that there was no such thing as a late tackle - his opponent merely passed too early! He also had the skills to capitalise on gaps in opposition defence and made the most of any scoring opportunities that came his way. Williams was a great favourite with Bristol supporters.
He was at his best in the mid 1970s. His greatest games were in the 1973 Cup run. In the semi final against London Welsh Bristol turned a 15 - 3 half-time deficit into a 18 - 15 victory over a talented side. He also played courageously in the final against Coventry.
Williams' career nearly ended in 1977 when he shattered his leg in a collision at Swansea. A seven-inch plate was fitted and it is a tribute to his fitness and dedication that he came back to play rugby at all let alone resume his career with Bristol the following season. A further fracture in 1980/81 would have forced lesser men to have called it a day but he recovered quickly and continued playing.
He eventually retired at the end of the 1982/83 season, his last game being against Glamorgan Wanderers in January 1983. Williams also made 17 appearances for Gloucestershire, and toured with them to South Africa in 1976. In addition he played for South and South West against Australia in 1973.
Formerly a coach with Bristol United, Aretians, Frampton, Weston and Gloucestershire, Chris Williams is now a successful businessman producing sporting and leisure wear.
