Williams back on track to join Wales 100-cap club
Men's Six Nations: France v WalesVenue: Stade de France Date: Friday, 31 January Kick-off: 20:15 GMTCoverage: Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC 5 Live; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on S4C.
Full-back Liam Williams hopes to resume his quest to become the 10th member of the 100 Wales cap club by lining up against France in Paris this Friday.Williams, 33, is set to play his 93rd Wales international and has also featured in five British and Irish Lions Tests.The Saracens back can reach a century of international appearances during this year's Six Nations tournament but has set his sights on reaching three figures solely for his country.Williams would join Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, George North, Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau, Stephen Jones, Martyn Williams, Leigh Halfpenny and Gareth Thomas."My aim is to get 100 caps for Wales, and if that happens it is the icing on the cake," said Williams."If it doesn't, then it doesn't, and that is just the way it is. But that is my aim."
Senior statesman
Williams is a senior statesman among the Wales backs, returning to Six Nations action after missing last year's tournament while he had a stint in Japanese rugby with Kubota Spears.He is now in his second spell with Gallagher Premiership club Saracens after returning from Japan.Williams is cautious about his chances of reaching the 2027 World Cup believing it "might be a bit too far".While he is enjoying mentoring some of Wales' young and inexperienced players, Williams feels he still has plenty to offer on the pitch."I have been speaking to Gats. We spoke post-Australia (Wales' 2023 summer tour) what the plans are for the next couple of years," said Williams"I am just happy to be here, and hopefully I can add something to the team, depending on whether I am picked, try and add something extra and win with the boys."
French globetrotters
A number of Wales' current squad would have been in primary school when Williams made his Wales debut in 2012, highlighting his longevity and consistency of performance at the highest level."I am speaking with these guys, not always about rugby stuff, but off-field stuff as well," said Williams."And I have told them that if they have any questions and would like to chat about anything, I am here and happy to chat."Wales are massive underdogs with Williams labelling the French side as "globetrotters" who like "throwing the ball about"."As you've seen with the French clubs in the Champions Cup they've been going really well, but it's down to us to try to stop that," said Williams."They have been one of the world's best teams in the last few years, so it's a massive start for us. "We will do everything that can be done this week to get our own house in order and we are looking forward to it."
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