Saracens star Liam Williams opens up on his return to the club, injury problems and getting back into the Wales squad
By his own admission, Liam Williams has had a more-than-busy six months.
But after playing his first rugby since July last weekend, the return to action of the two-time British & Irish Lion is cause for Christmas cheer for both Saracens and Wales.
Williams, 33, certainly has plenty to celebrate this festive period. On the field, he is back after injury and off it, he has recently become a father for the first time.
The full-back and his wife Sophie recently welcomed the arrival of their first son, Leo, all while the player sealed a move back from Japan for a second stint in the Gallagher Premiership.
Williams had been set for a second season in the Far East with Kubota Spears, but his family changes meant he was keen on being closer to his home in Wales.
When Saracens utility back Alex Goode suffered a quad injury, a spot became available for Williams to join Mark McCall’s men as injury cover and the move happened quickly.
By his own admission, Liam Williams has had a more-than-busy six months on and off the field
The 33-year-old returned to Saracens after a stint with Kubota Spears in Japan
‘It’s been hectic with the stuff going on with Japan,’ Williams said.
‘I timed it wrong with the baby and I just wanted to be back home with my wife and my son. They’ll be moving up to London now soon after Christmas. I’m up and back twice a week at the moment, but it’s not too far. It’s three hours to Cardiff – so it’s not too bad.
‘My wife has been texting me every morning asking how did I sleep? I say: “I didn’t sleep too well even though I’ve had eight hours!” She’s not getting much sleep at the moment.
‘He’s sleep all day, party all night!’
Williams won both the Premiership and the Champions Cup in his first spell with Saracens. But when the club was hit by salary cap breaches, they had to cut costs and the Welshman was one of the first to depart, returning to his boyhood club Scarlets.
A key figure for Wales in their glory years under Warren Gatland, Williams played for his country in their July matches with Australia. But his second Saracens debut – against Stade Francais last Saturday – was his first match since then. He marked that game in Paris with a trademark try.
‘It’s good to be back. I haven’t played any rugby for a little while – since the summer tour,’ Williams said.
‘I had a bit of trouble with my knee before Australia from the back end of the season out in Japan. I played the two Tests in Australia, but I had to get my knee drained twice, three times a week, just to play those two games there. I came back and had a meniscus repair, just a little bit of a clean-up, and it’s not been quite right since.
A key figure for Wales in their glory years under Warren Gatland, Williams last played for his country in July
‘I wanted to play in the autumn, but I wasn’t fit enough so I just trained with the team in camp.
‘The opportunity arose to come here to this great club, one which is close to my heart, and I’ve been here before, so I jumped at the chance.
‘Ideally, I’d like to be close to home but me and my wife love this club.
‘The squad has changed massively. Obviously, you’ve still got the older guys who were here when I was last here in 2018. But in terms of the style of rugby they play, that’s still the same.
‘It’s good to be back on the wing and for them to get the ball to me!’
Williams is set to play a key role for Saracens for the rest of the season, beginning with a busy and tough run of Christmas fixtures against Northampton, Bath and Bristol.
He is dividing his time currently between Wales and north London before the family move up to the English capital. Williams’ Saracens return means that in 2025, he will be eligible again to play for Wales in the Six Nations.
That wouldn’t have been the case if he’d stayed in Japan. It is this writer’s opinion Williams must start the Championship if fit.
Williams (centre) is set to play a key role for Saracens for the rest of the season
Wales, after their poor run under Gatland, need some experience, which Williams provides
After losing 12 straight Tests, Gatland’s position as Wales head coach is unclear after the Welsh Rugby Union undertook a review of the team’s poor performance. Wales badly need some experience, which Williams provides.
He admits he hasn’t given international rugby much thought – prioritising a return to club duty, as well as family, first – but that reaching 100 caps for his country is something of a target. Williams currently has 92.
‘It’s been at the back of my mind. It was a little bit of a reason to head back home. If it happens, it happens. But if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,’ he said.
‘Who knows what Gats is going to do. I don’t know if he’s staying or going or who he’s going to pick. Nobody knows. Hopefully, I can just keep playing well here and get some game time.’
