Form star Warren Gatland never rated gets second chance and is now in straight Wales shootout
Form star Warren Gatland never rated gets second chance and is now in straight Wales shootout
Johnny Williams' international career has been reignited
The Scarlets' Johnny Williams races clear for a try against the Lions
(Image: Sydney Seshibedi/Huw Evans Agency )
When Johnny Williams held court with journalists to preview the Scarlets' derby against the Ospreys last December he was inevitably asked why he had been left out of the Wales squad despite being in a rich vein of form.
"It was work rate off the ball," said Williams at the time.
"That was the big one for me. With what I was doing and my skill set they were quite happy with. It was my work rate off the ball, kick chasing hard and metres in training.
"There's always strings you can add to your bow and you can always look to improve.
"A big one for me has been my fitness, involvements in games, speed up off the floor, kick chasing hard and leadership also. I've been quite hard on myself."
Williams has certainly had a big impact on the Scarlets' late surge which secured a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Article continues below
In fact it could strongly be argued that if it wasn't for powerful centre Williams and outside-half Sam Costelow returning from injury the Scarlets wouldn't have reached the last eight.
Williams and Costelow have dovetailed wonderfully, with the Scarlets' attack functioning far more efficiently as a result.
The 28-year-old is a high-impact player who can carry the ball into heavy traffic and make significant post-contact metres.
His offloading and footwork have also been top notch but his peripheral vision has improved significantly with Williams now striking the balance between when to carry hard and when to shift the ball wide.
Throughout Wales' barren run of 17 straight defeats they have lacked players to consistently cross the gainline, but Williams is in this mould.
Despite his obvious qualities Williams has been limited to seven caps for his country with a series of injuries certainly playing its part.
Warren Gatland selected Williams in his Rugby World Cup squad in 2023 but he figured just once against Portugal.
But from then on Williams was deemed surplus to requirements by Gatland, who preferred the likes of Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin and Max Llewellyn. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
The Scarlets centre was perhaps a little inconsistent at the time but interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt has opted to include Williams in his squad to tour Japan.
At the end of the day selection is a matter of opinion and Williams has been presented with a second chance to prove he can cut it as a high-end, international-class player.
Williams was outstanding in the Scarlets' victory over Leinster last month and backed it up with another excellent performance against the Lions in Johannesburg.
In Japan this summer, Sherratt will have to decide between Williams and Ben Thomas for the number 12 shirt.
Both players are the polar opposite in style, with Thomas in the mould of a southern hemisphere-style second five-eighth, and acts like a second playmaker, while he also provides a kicking option from 12.
Thomas is arguably more adaptable to the expansive style of rugby Sherratt is likely to adopt in Japan, plus he is coached by him at Cardiff.
But Williams' relationship with Joe Roberts - who will almost certainly start at outside centre - and outside-half Costelow could help his cause.
Cohesion is an important factor in any side and given how well the Scarlets backline have played of late this goes in Williams' favour.
Japan are also not the biggest of sides so a centre who can crash over the gainline as easily as Williams has to be an option. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here
As Williams' journey continues to unfold, his recent resurgence with the Scarlets has not only reignited his international ambitions but also reminded us of the unpredictability of professional rugby.
Once seemingly on the fringes, Williams now stands as a key figure in Wales' plans for the upcoming tour to Japan.
His blend of power, skill and leadership offers Wales a dynamic option in the centre, particularly with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
Whether he secures a starting role this summer or not, Williams' ability to adapt and evolve makes him a player worth keeping a close eye on in the years to come.
Article continues below
In the fast-paced world of rugby, a second chance is a rare gift — and Williams seems determined to make the most of it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Wales forward Ratti signs new Ospreys deal
Wales forward James Ratti has signed a new Ospreys who can play in the second row and back row, has been in fine form during the season when he was voted as Ospreys' players player of the 27-year-old has been called into the Wales squad for the two-Test tour of Japan in has won one cap after making his Wales debut against South Africa at Twickenham in June 2024."The last two years have been great for me since I returned to the Ospreys," said Ratti."There's a great bunch of boys here and we all play for each other, which shines through on a gameday."Coming back to my hometown club was an easy decision for me, similarly to signing this new contract, and I'm looking forward to seeing what lies ahead in the future with this team." 'A real workhorse' Ospreys have signed back rower Ross Moriarty while Morgan Morris has also committed his future to the Swansea-based side."Ratti has been incredibly valuable player for us since he made the decision to come back," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones."He's a real Swiss-army knife in both the respects of where he plays and how he plays."Ratti is a real workhorse, his ability to carry and commit multiple defenders in contact adds a real dynamism to how we play and we're happy to have him staying with the club. "To succeed in our league, you need players like Ratti, that are relentless and reliable."
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Cardiff defend manager hunt delay ahead of 'crucial' appointment
Cardiff City say the delay in naming a new manager has been down to "essential" checks to make sure they get right "one of the most important appointments" in their Bluebirds have held advanced talks with Leicester City assistant manager Brian Barry-Murphy as they close in on finally appointing a new permanent Oxford United manager Des Buckingham has also been in the frame following a lengthy process overseen by a specially-formed panel included former Rangers and Swansea director of football Mark Allen, a representative from agents Wasserman and academy manager Gavin Chesterfield, with owner Vincent Tan having the final the process, Chesterfield said: "We worked to a clear mandate from the board of directors, which led us to consider three styles - experienced managers, up and coming managers/head coaches and international based options."We worked through a long list of talented options according to a clear criterion to ensure consistency of process."It has taken longer than initially expected, but this is a crucial decision at a key time for our football club."Having started with a blank canvas, we are proud of the final options presented to the board for consideration. This is an appointment that everyone wants to get right for the future of Cardiff City."It is more than a month since Cardiff's relegation from the Championship – with Aaron Ramsey in temporary charge after Omer Riza was sacked with three games of the season remaining – leading to criticism from director Steve Borley said: "We understand that concerns have been expressed regarding the length of the process, and while initially the plan was to have the manager, and his staff, in place before now, the correct due diligence, however long it took, was essential to the ongoing success of the club."This is one of the most important appointments in Cardiff City's recent history."We've been immensely impressed by the standard of those who wish to lead our football club. We are excited to share a further positive update soon regarding the appointment of a new management team once the necessary negotiations have been concluded."
Rhyl Journal
5 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Finlay Bealham will be a great fit for the group – Lions head coach Andy Farrell
Glasgow Warriors tight head Fagerson has been ruled out of the summer tour to Australia by a calf problem. The news of Fagerson's withdrawal came a day before the squad – minus those involved in the Gallagher Premiership and United Rugby Championship finals – headed out to Portugal for a training camp. Zander Fagerson has been ruled out of this summer's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia after sustaining a calf injury. We wish Zander all the best in his recovery 💙 — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) June 9, 2025 Farrell, though, accepts such situations are part of the game, with the group now looking to sharpen focus towards a warm-up fixture against Argentina in Dublin on June 20. 'It is heartbreaking, but at the same time, he (Fagerson) is a realist. All rugby players know that's the game,' Farrell told Sky Sports. 'He will work unbelievably hard to get himself fit and who knows what's going to happen down the track.' Finlay Bealham = 🦁 Congratulations to @FinlayBealham who has been called up to the @lionsofficial squad. More: — Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 9, 2025 On Ireland's Bealham being added to the squad, Farrell said: 'Finlay has been called up in his place and he is in good form. He is very good at what he does. 'He was certainly right up there in the conversation from the very start as well, and he would have been disappointed not to make the group. 'So we just know he will be a great fit for the group going forward. He is the only conversation that I was able to have because of the way we did the squad announcement. 'By giving him a phone call and telling him he was selected within the squad, unfortunately for Zander, but it was one of the best phone conversations I have ever had. 'The emotion that went through the phone actually welled me up. It was great to be able to do that.' With 15 of the selected players still on club duty – including 12 from Leinster – England duo Jamie George and Asher Opoku-Fordjour have also joined the five-day training camp at Quinta do Lago to provide some front-row cover. 'It is what it is,' said Farrell. 'You've just got to be open-minded enough to see what you end up with – what we have ended up with is a squad of 24. Bill's new keeper! 🫡 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 11, 2025 'It is a new group that has come together for the first time, so to keep it small and tight gives plenty of time in this five-day camp for people to get in the saddle and get up to speed with new systems, a new way of playing. 'We will see what we need to add to the squad in the coming weeks.' The fixture against Argentina is set to be a first Lions game played in Ireland. The tour of Australia schedule – which features three Tests against the Wallabies – begins against Western Force in Perth on June 28.
