Liam Williams (rugby union)

Last updated

Liam Williams
Liam Williams 2013.jpg
Williams representing Scarlets during the 2013–14 Heineken Cup
Birth nameLiam Brian Williams
Date of birth (1991-04-09) 9 April 1991 (age 32)
Place of birth Swansea, Wales
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight85 kg (187 lb; 13 st 5 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback, Wing
Current team Kubota Spears
Youth career
Waunarlwydd RFC
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2010–2022 Scarlets 118 (191)
2017–2019 Saracens 30 (105)
2022–2023 Cardiff Rugby 4 (0)
2023– Kubota Spears ()
Correct as of 11 February 2023
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2011 Wales U20 8 (15)
2012– Wales 89 (100)
2017, 2021 British & Irish Lions 6 (0)
Correct as of 18 March 2023 [1]

Liam Brian Williams (born 9 April 1991) is a Welsh professional rugby union player who will play for Kubota Spears in Japan Rugby League One following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. [2] At international level, he has represented Wales, having made his test debut against New Zealand in 2012, and the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021. Williams has previously played for Scarlets, Saracens, and Cardiff. [3]

Contents

Club career

A school boy developed by the local Waunarlwydd RFC club, he was not picked up by any of the Welsh regional professional academies, and hence aged 16 started working as a trainee scaffolder at Port Talbot Steelworks, whilst continuing to play for Waunarlwydd. [4]

Aged 20 Williams was signed by Scarlets, being developed for his first year in 2010–11 at Llanelli RFC, making his debut against Carmarthen Quins in March 2010. Williams then went on to make his Scarlets regional debut against Connacht on 10 September 2011 and scoring his first try in the away defeat to Benetton Rugby on 1 October 2011. Williams had a dream first season at the Scarlets, going on to score 40 points in 26 appearances. His performances led him to be nominated for the LV Breakthrough Player Award and he was voted Player's Player of the Year for the Scarlets. [5]

Following a string of superb performances for both Scarlets and Wales during 2014, Williams was named Wales Player of the Year. [6]

Williams played an integral role in the Scarlets run to the 2017 Pro12 Grand Final, their first championship win since 2004. This included crossing for the opening try in the final against Munster, with Scarlets eventually running out 22-46 winners at the Aviva Stadium.

In 2017, it was announced that Williams would join Aviva Premiership side Saracens in England on a three-year contract from the 2017–18 season. [7] In the 2018–19 season Williams helped Saracens to both the Premiership title and the European Rugby Champions Cup. In the Premiership final against Exeter Williams scored a try. [8] [9] Following exposure of Saracens salary-cap breach, Williams secured an early release from his contract. Williams left Saracens with a record of 21 tries in 31 Saracens appearances and a 90.5% win rate in the Aviva Premiership having won 19 of 21 games played. [10]

Williams returned to Scarlets with immediate effect on 25 February 2020. [11] Following an injury-hit period with Scarlets it was announced on 6 January 2022 that Williams would join Cardiff Rugby ahead of the 2022-23 season. [12]

International

Wales

Capped by Wales at U20 level in 2011 in both the Six Nations and Word Rugby Junior Championships, Williams was named in the senior Wales training squad for the first time for the match versus Australia on 3 December 2011. [13] He went on to make his debut for Wales against the Barbarians on 2 June 2012 at the Millennium Stadium.

Williams made his Six Nations debut against Ireland in Round 2 of the 2014 Six Nations Championship, going on to play in each subsequent match of that tournament. He scored his first international try and was named Man of the Match in the final game, a 51–3 win against Scotland. [14]

Williams was called up to the Wales squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup despite being a doubt following surgery on his foot in June 2015. [15] Williams started at Fullback for the first two pool games however both games ended prematurely. Against Uruguay, Williams was withdrawn due to a first half dead leg before returning for the England game. Against England, Williams received a kick to the head following a punt attempt by Tom Wood. Wood managed to avoid a ban for the kick, with citing commissioner Maurizio Vancini preferring to give a warning. [16] Williams returned for the final pool game against Australia, starting the defeat on the wing. This game saw Williams suffer a new foot injury and prematurely ended his participation in the tournament. [17]

On 17 November 2018, Williams won his 50th Wales cap in an Autumn International against Tonga, scoring two tries as Wales ran out 74-24 winners. [18]

Williams secured his first Grand Slam with Wales during the 2019 Six Nations Championship. Williams started every game at 15 and contributed a Man of the Match performance in the 21–13 win over England on 23 February 2019. This win also sealed Wales 12th consecutive test win beating the previous record of 11, set between 1907 and 1910. [19]

In September 2019, Williams was selected as part of the Wales squad for 2019 Rugby World Cup. [20] Williams entered the tournament as first choice Fullback and started at 15 in each game he played as Wales reached the semi-finals. Williams scored his first Rugby World Cup try on 23 September 2019 in the opening game against Georgia. [21] After impressing in the 25–29 win against Australia, Williams scored again in the following game against Fiji, helping Wales to secure their qualification for the quarter-finals. After overcoming France and booking their place in the semi-finals, Williams suffered an ankle injury ahead of the game, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament. [22]

British & Irish Lions

In April 2017, Williams was selected for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Williams played in the games against the Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs, at fullback and wing. Williams began the first test at fullback, contributing to a try by Sean O'Brien that was the stand out score of the series. [23] In the second test Williams again contributed to the first Lions try, providing an assist to Taulupe Faletau as the Lions ran out 21-24 winners. Williams then played in the final test, securing a series draw. Williams ended the tour having made 344 metres during his 414 minutes on the field with 12 defenders beaten and 47 carries made. [24]

Williams was selected for his second British and Irish Lions tour in May 2021 against the World Cup holders South Africa. [25] Williams appeared as a replacement in the first test victory but was dropped from the match day 23 for the second test. Williams then started the final test on 7 August 2021, taking his total Lions appearances to 5.

International tries

TryOpponentLocationVenueCompetitionDateResult
1Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2014 Six Nations 15 March 2014Win
2Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Rome, Italy Stadio Olimpico 2015 Six Nations 21 March 2015Win
3Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2016 Six Nations 19 March 2016Win
4Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand Westpac Stadium 2016 Tour of New Zealand 18 June 2016Loss
5Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2016 Autumn Internationals 12 November 2016Win
6Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Rome, Italy Stadio Olimpico 2017 Six Nations 5 February 2017Win
7Flag of England.svg  England Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2017 Six Nations 11 February 2017Loss
8Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland Edinburgh, Scotland Murrayfield 2017 Six Nations 25 February 2017Loss
9Flag of France.svg  France Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2018 Six Nations 17 March 2018Win
10Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2018 Autumn Internationals 17 November 2018Win
11
12Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2018 Autumn Internationals 24 November 2018Win
13Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia Toyota, Japan Toyota Stadium 2019 Rugby World Cup 23 September 2019Win
14Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji Oita, Japan Bank Dome 2019 Rugby World Cup 9 October 2019Win
15Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland Edinburgh, Scotland Murrayfield 2021 Six Nations 13 February 2021Win
16Flag of England.svg  England Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2021 Six Nations 27 February 2021Win
17Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2021 Autumn Internationals 14 November 2021Win
18IRFU flag.svg  Ireland Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2023 Six Nations 4 February 2023Loss
19Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Rome, Italy Stadio Olimpico 2023 Six Nations 11 March 2023Win
20Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia Nantes, France Stade de la Beaujoire 2023 Rugby World Cup 7 October 2023Win

Personal life

Williams is known by the nickname Sanjay, which he has had since he was young. [26] He currently lives with his Welsh model wife Sophie Harries having been together since 2015. They were married in a ceremony on 30 July 2022. [27] Williams has spoken previously about his struggles with a stammer which was exacerbated by the pressures of conducting press interviews. Williams has sought therapy to resolve this and has conducted more interviews since. [28] Williams is known for his unusual running style stemming from bowing of his legs. This does not impact his performances and has not been corrected following advice from doctors that doing so could end his career. [29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin Henson</span> Welsh international rugby union player

Gavin Lloyd Henson is a Welsh former professional rugby union player, who played as a fly-half, fullback and inside centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Ashton</span> England dual-code rugby international footballer

Christopher John Ashton is a retired English rugby union and former rugby league footballer, and one of the few players who have represented England in both rugby codes. Ashton primarily played wing and secondarily played fullback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Owens</span> Welsh rugby player

Kenneth James Owens is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a hooker for the Scarlets and Wales. He made his debut for the Scarlets in 2006, taking over from Matthew Rees as their first-choice hooker upon Rees' departure for the Cardiff Blues in 2013. He also served as backup to Rees, among others, for Wales following his debut against Namibia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. In 2016, he took over as Wales' first-choice hooker, and in January 2023, following almost a year out with a back injury, he was named as captain for the 2023 Six Nations Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhys Priestland</span> Welsh rugby union player

Rhys Priestland is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Cardiff Rugby and the Wales national team. Although he primarily plays as a fly-half, he is also capable of playing at full-back. Born in Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, he began his career with Llanelli RFC before progressing to the Scarlets regional side. After eight years with the Scarlets, he moved to England to play for Bath in the English Premiership, where he spent six seasons before returning to Wales with Cardiff Rugby. He made his Wales debut in 2011, and earned 50 caps – including being named in the squad for the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups – before his move to England made him ineligible for selection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leigh Halfpenny</span> Wales and British Lions international rugby union player

Stephen Leigh Halfpenny is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a fullback or wing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. Halfpenny is the third highest points scorer for Wales after Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Owen Farrell</span> England international rugby union player (born 1991)

Owen Andrew O'Loughlin Farrell is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Premiership Rugby club Saracens.

Aled Davies is a Welsh rugby union player who plays at scrum-half for Saracens.

Andrew Mark Fenby is a Welsh former rugby union footballer who played as a fullback or on the wing. Fenby's professional career started relatively late, as he earned his first professional contract with Newcastle Falcons at the age of 24. After a brief cameo for the Falcons at the end of the 2008–09 season, he returned to Wales to sign for the Scarlets. The emergence of fellow wing George North on the international scene gave Fenby the opportunity to play regularly for the Scarlets during the Autumn internationals and the Six Nations, before he finally nailed down the left wing position during the 2012–13 season. A record of 14 tries in 28 appearances that season resulted in a transfer to London Irish in 2013. After initially retiring from professional rugby at the end of the 2015–16 season, he briefly returned to the sport in October 2016, signing a three-month contract with Saracens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elliot Kear</span> Wales international rugby league footballer

Elliot Kear, is a Welsh professional rugby league footballer who plays as a wing, centre or fullback for the Batley Bulldogs in the RFL Championship and Wales at international level. He is now the record 2nd all time Welsh cap holder with 32 caps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George North</span> Wales and British Lions international rugby union player (born 1992)

George Philip North is a professional rugby union player who plays as a centre for United Rugby Championship club Ospreys. Born in England, he represents Wales at international level after qualifying on both residency and ancestry grounds, having moved to Wales at an early age.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamie George</span> British Lions & England international rugby union player

Jamie Edward George is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a hooker for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and captains the England national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mako Vunipola</span> British Lions & England international rugby union player

Mako Vunipola is a professional rugby union player who plays as a loosehead prop for English club Saracens and the England national team. Born in New Zealand to Tongan parents, he qualified for England through residency having lived and been educated in Wales and then England since the age of 7.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Williams (rugby union)</span> Welsh rugby union player

Jordan Rhys Williams is a Welsh rugby union footballer who plays for the Dragons. His regular position is at full-back, but he has also played at fly-half and on the wing. He began his career with amateur side New Dock Stars RFC, before being signed by Llanelli RFC and ultimately breaking into the Scarlets regional side. However, he struggled to find playing time with the Scarlets and moved to Bristol in 2016, only to return to Wales with the Dragons two years later. He has also played internationally for Wales at under-16, under-18 and under-20 level, as well as for the Wales Sevens team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Nowell</span> British Lions & England international rugby union player

Jack Thomas Nowell is an English professional rugby union player for Top 14 side La Rochelle. He also represents England. His position of choice is wing but he can also play as a full-back or outside centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Vunipola</span> England international rugby union player

Viliami Vunipola is a professional rugby union player who plays as a number eight for Premiership Rugby club Saracens. Born in Australia, he represents England at international level after qualifying on residency grounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elliot Daly</span> British Lions & England international rugby union player

Elliot Fitzgerald Daly is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a centre for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and the England national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Watson (rugby union)</span> British Lions & England international rugby union player

Anthony Kenneth Chisom Watson is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a wing or fullback for Leicester Tigers and the England national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maro Itoje</span> British & Irish Lions and England international rugby union player

Oghenemaro Miles Itoje is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and the England national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Adams (rugby union)</span> British Lions & Wales international rugby union player

Joshua Huw Adams is a Welsh professional rugby union player who plays mainly as a wing for Cardiff and the Wales national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Max Malins</span> England international rugby union player

Maxim Hugo Malins is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a wing for Premiership Rugby club Bristol Bears and the England national team.

References

  1. ↑ "LIONS V JAPAN UPDATE". Lions Rugby. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  2. ↑ Lloyd, Matt (21 June 2023). "Liam Williams: Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back quits Cardiff for Kubota Spears in Japan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  3. ↑ Griffiths, Gareth (19 June 2016). "The making of Liam Williams as Wales star wins over NZ critics". Walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  4. ↑ Woolford, Anthony (20 November 2018). "The picture of a Wales rugby star before life changed forever". WalesOnline. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  5. ↑ "Liam Williams". Welsh Rugby Union.
  6. ↑ "Williams is Wales player of the year". BBC Sport. 14 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  7. ↑ "Saracens sign Wales and Scarlets utility back Liam Williams". The Guardian . 9 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  8. ↑ "Premiership final: Exeter Chiefs 34-37 Saracens". BBC. 1 June 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  9. ↑ "Leinster 10-20 Saracens: English side win third Champions Cup in Newcastle". BBC. 11 May 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  10. ↑ "Liam Brian Williams". ESPN scrum. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  11. ↑ "Liam Williams: Scarlets confirm early return of Wales full-back from Saracens". BBC Sport . 25 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  12. ↑ "Cardiff confirm Williams signing". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  13. ↑ "Warren Gatland gambles on fitness doubts for Australia Test". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  14. ↑ "Wales 51-3 Scotland". BBC Sport.
  15. ↑ "Wales 2015 Rugby World Cup squad". 2 September 2015.
  16. ↑ "Tom Wood escapes ban over Liam Williams incident". 28 September 2015.
  17. ↑ "Wales to consider options as Liam Williams is ruled out of the World Cup". 11 October 2015.
  18. ↑ "Wales vs Tonga - Report - Friendly 2018 - 17 Nov, 2018 - ESPN".
  19. ↑ "Wales on course for grand slam as late tries shatter England". TheGuardian.com . 23 February 2019.
  20. ↑ "Wales reveal RWC 2019 squad - Welsh Rugby Union". September 2019.
  21. ↑ McLaughlin, Luke (23 September 2019). "Wales 43-14 Georgia: Rugby World Cup 2019 – as it happened". The Guardian.
  22. ↑ "Huge blow for Wales as Liam Williams to miss semi-final". 24 October 2019.
  23. ↑ Schofield, Daniel (11 July 2017). "Sean O'Brien's Lions wonder try wins out". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  24. ↑ "2017 Lions Player Retrospective: Liam Williams". 11 July 2017.
  25. ↑ "Lions 2021 squad announcement: Gatland names 10 Welshmen". 6 May 2021.
  26. ↑ "Revealed: These are the brilliant nicknames of the Lions players". 5 July 2017.
  27. ↑ "Who is rugby star Liam Williams' wife Sophie Harries?". 22 November 2016.
  28. ↑ "Scrum V Rugby - BONUS EPISODE: Liam Williams chats to Gareth Thomas - BBC Sounds".
  29. ↑ "Liam Williams on His Bow Legs & Why He Can't Get Them Fixed". 28 August 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.