Liam Williams has been a fan favourite in Wales since his debut for Scarlets back in 2010, and since that time he has gone on to win 84 international caps for Wales, as well as being heavily involved in two British and Irish Lions tours.
Now aged 32, Williams is approaching the Autumn of his career with eyes firmly set on the future. With Cardiff’s budget set to be reduced by over £2m over the next couple of years, Williams has made the decision to join the Japanese side, Kubota Spears, in a move that is not dissimilar to many of his Welsh compatriots. Williams will be joining the likes of Joe Hawkins, Cory Hill, Rhys Webb, Tom Francis, Ross Moriarty, Will Rowlands, and Dillon Lewis who have all elected to leave Welsh regional rugby and head to England, France and Japan amid the WRU financial issues.
Taking to social media to announce his next location after the world cup, Williams said:
“I’m delighted to announce that I have signed with @kubotaspears for next season. Kon’nichiwa Orange Army! I have fond memories of playing in Japan during the 2019 World Cup and will never forget how welcoming everyone was. I am looking forward to experiencing a new way [of] life with my wife Sophie and we are excited about the opportunity. I have made some incredible memories in Welsh rugby over the years and must thank the @welshrugbyunion and @cardiff rugby for their understanding in what has been a challenging few months.”
Williams will however be hoping to make this his third World Cup, as he makes it clear his intentions to join his countrymen in France:
“I will be doing everything possible to be selected for the World Cup campaign with @welshrugbyunion and am excited about the opportunity to be involved.”
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