Williams made 221 first-team appearances for Cardiff and established himself as a hugely popular figure at Cardiff Arms Park in a fine playing career.
He also won one cap for Wales against Namibia in June 1990.
Williams was born in Ogmore-by-Sea and was educated at Brynteg Comprehensive School – an establishment which has produced countless Welsh internationals.
His rugby talent was obvious and he was a star of the Wales Under-18 side who won a Grand Slam in 1983.
He went on to have a fine career with Wales’ capital side.
Williams’ son Teddy is a current member of the Cardiff Rugby squad.
It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Owain Williams following a long battle with cancer.
Owain made 221 1st team appearances for the club and established himself as an Arms Park legend
Our heartfelt thoughts are with Teddy and the Williams family 💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/jjBne9i2iO
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) September 13, 2021
The region said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Owain Williams following a long battle with cancer.
“Owain made 221 first-team appearances for the club and established himself as an Arms Park legend.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Teddy and the Williams family.”
Cardiff Rugby Life President Peter Thomas said: “The thoughts of everyone at Cardiff Arms Park are with the family and friends of Owain at this incredibly sad time.
“His career spanned from the amateur to the professional era and he was always one of the very first names on the team sheet back in 1996 due to his diligence, professionalism and athleticism.
“To this day, Owain is undoubtedly one of the best back-row forwards Cardiff has ever had. He was a wonderful player and person.
“He will be sadly missed by all of us, particularly at such a young age. He was a very special player and was respected by everyone he played with or against.”
Owain Williams of Cardiff is caught by Gareth Rees and Diccon Edwards of Newport in 1995
To this day, Owain is undoubtedly one of the best back-row forwards Cardiff has ever had. He was a wonderful player and person
Williams had a four-year spell with Glamorgan Wanderers after a season in Australia in which he played for the Wests club in Brisbane and appeared for Queensland against both New Zealand and England.
After returning from the southern hemisphere, Williams featured for Bridgend for four years and his proudest moment came when he played for Wales against Namibia on their summer tour of 1990.
His one and only Test came at Windhoek on June 9 of that year.
Williams also captained the Wales Sevens side.
Welsh Rugby Union Head of Participation Geraint John said: “So, so sad. He was one of the best. A fantastic rugby player but an outstanding person and family man.
“Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends from myself and everyone @WelshRugbyUnion @WRU_Community. So sad.”
We would like to express our sincere condolences to Teddy Williams our Dewar Shield captain 2016 and family on the passing of Owain (Dad) ex @Cardiff_Rugby and Welsh international. A gentleman. Cwsg mewn hedd Owain #❤️ #💙🖤
— Ysgolion Caerdydd / Cardiff Schools Rugby (@RygbiCaerdydd) September 13, 2021
Williams joined Cardiff in 1992.
He played in the first Heineken Cup final in 1996 when Cardiff faced Toulouse at Wales’ old National Stadium.
He also played in the last game at the ground as Cardiff beat Swansea in the Welsh Cup final.
Former Cardiff and dual code Wales international Jonathan Davies played with Williams.
He wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely tragic news. What a player he was, only really appreciated by the guys who played with him.
“Great reader of the game and brilliant in a squad environment with his quick dry wit. My prayers and condolences are with Angie and the boys.”
Former Wales forward Emyr Lewis wrote: “Such sad news. A real character on and off the pitch and a wonderful player. Loved being in his company and his banter thoroughly enhanced my enjoyment and experience @Cardiff_Rugby.
“My sincere condolences to his family. You will be missed big man. RIP Ows.”
Absolutely tragic news. What a player he was, only really appreciated by the guys who played with him. Great reader of the game and brilliant in a squad environment with his quick dry wit. My prayers and condolences are with Angie and the boys. ❤️🙏RIP Owain https://t.co/78FMPjYFLg
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) September 13, 2021
Williams’ elder brother Gareth was also a back-row forward who played for Bridgend and Wales and went on the 1980 British & Lions tour of South Africa.
He passed away in 2018 at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with multiple system atrophy – a rare neurological illness.
So so sad. He was one of the best. A fantastic rugby player but an outstanding person and family man. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends from myself and everyone @WelshRugbyUnion @WRU_Community . So sad. https://t.co/qMOJGm7KgA
— Geraint John (@geraintrugby) September 13, 2021
In 2006, Owain Williams – who retired in 2001 – had to have surgery to remove his eye and in the years since he underwent treatment for cancer.
It didn’t stop the father of four from following rugby with two of his sons – Teddy and Henri – who are both involved in the professional game.
The Welsh Rugby Union sends its deepest condolences and best wishes to the Williams family.
Owain Williams with his son Teddy Championship – Teddy after Wales Under-20 faced France in 2019
Absolutely tragic news. What a player he was, only really appreciated by the guys who played with him
