Wales' veteran full-back Liam Williams has announced his retirement from international rugby, bringing an end to a remarkable 93-cap career that earned him the respect of fans and peers alike. The 34-year-old, who won two Six Nations titles, including one Grand Slam, will continue to play for Newcastle Red Bulls but is closing the chapter on his illustrious Wales career.
Born and bred in Port Talbot, Williams' journey into international rugby began as an amateur player while working as a scaffolder at the local steelworks. He made his professional debut for Scarlets in 2011 and won his first Wales cap just over a year later, marking the beginning of an extraordinary seven-year spell with the national team.
Throughout his career, Williams has been synonymous with Welsh rugby, showcasing his impressive skills on the pitch and his dedication to the sport off it. He was also a key player for the British and Irish Lions during two successful tours in 2017 and 2021.
Williams' farewell post on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, acknowledged the sacrifices he made and the opportunities he had been given. "It's been a journey built on hard work, sacrifice and the support of so many people along the way," he said. "The dedicated and loyal Welsh fans. Amazing team-mates, great coaches, the backroom staff and friends."
With no regrets and immense pride, Williams steps away from international rugby, his legacy cemented as one of Wales' greatest full-backs. As he embarks on a new chapter with Newcastle Red Bulls, fans will miss his signature speed and skill but will always cherish the memories of an incredible career that brought joy to many.
Born and bred in Port Talbot, Williams' journey into international rugby began as an amateur player while working as a scaffolder at the local steelworks. He made his professional debut for Scarlets in 2011 and won his first Wales cap just over a year later, marking the beginning of an extraordinary seven-year spell with the national team.
Throughout his career, Williams has been synonymous with Welsh rugby, showcasing his impressive skills on the pitch and his dedication to the sport off it. He was also a key player for the British and Irish Lions during two successful tours in 2017 and 2021.
Williams' farewell post on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, acknowledged the sacrifices he made and the opportunities he had been given. "It's been a journey built on hard work, sacrifice and the support of so many people along the way," he said. "The dedicated and loyal Welsh fans. Amazing team-mates, great coaches, the backroom staff and friends."
With no regrets and immense pride, Williams steps away from international rugby, his legacy cemented as one of Wales' greatest full-backs. As he embarks on a new chapter with Newcastle Red Bulls, fans will miss his signature speed and skill but will always cherish the memories of an incredible career that brought joy to many.
just heard about liam williams retirin from int'l rugby!!! 93 caps is insane! i'm so gonna miss seein him on the pitch, he's been a legend for wales 
what can we say, the guy's dedication to the sport is truly inspirin. two six nations titles and a grand slam to his name? he deserves all the praise & accolades 
anyway, gotta give it up for this scaffolder turned rugby star, he's proof that with hard work & passion, u can achieve greatness 
it's crazy how far he's come from scaffolding at the steelworks in port talbot to a legend on the rugby pitch 
i think his decision to retire is the right one tho, 93 caps is an incredible achievement and i'm sure he'll stay involved in the sport as a coach or whatever 
. Still, you gotta respect the guy for his dedication and all that jazz. He's played some great rugby, no question about it. But now he's gonna be 35... that's ancient in sports years 
. I'm sure we'll see a few more of these "I've retired" stories in the coming years... just saying 
Liam Williams is retiring from int rugby it's like the end of an era 
I mean 93 caps is insane! he was so clutch on the pitch and always gave his all, even when we lost 
i remember watching him play for scarlets back in the day and thinking "wow that guy is gonna make it to wales" 
and then it happened he made that debut and just took off from there 
he's definitely one of the best fullbacks wales has ever had, no doubt about it 
. 93 caps for wales is insane! the way he went from bein a scaffolder at the steelworks to playin pro rugby in scotland is like somethin outta a movie 
. and two six nations titles? grand slam? the dude's a legend, no question 
. it's a shame he's leavin us too soon, but i'm hyped for him to take on a new chapter with newcastle red bulls 
. love how he gave a shoutout to all the fans, coaches, and mates who supported him throughout his career 
. And let's not forget those two Grand Slams with Wales - what a feat! 
. I loved watching him play for Scarlets back in the day - he was always so clutch on the pitch 
... it brought tears to my eyes! The way he's handled his retirement, too, is really admirable - you can tell he's not one for self-promotion or seeking the spotlight 
. I'm gonna miss watching him play for Newcastle Red Bulls, but at least we've got all those awesome memories of his time with Wales 
.
