Latest news with #LiamWilliams
Rhyl Journal
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn boys' football team celebrate haul of trophy wins
Prestatyn Warriors under-12s were presented with the Rhyl and District Junior Premiership League trophy after their final home game of the season on Thursday evening (May 15). They also secured the Premiership League Cup on May 10 to complete a double, before they headed to Blackpool to compete in the tournament St Anne's Tournament on May 11, which they also won. The boys were also successful in winning the SCI Tournament the previous weekend, to make it four trophies in eight days. Liam Williams, who coaches the team along with Dave Hogan, said: 'This is the boys' first season of competitive football, and they have been outstanding. 'They have also now completed their league season unbeaten - an incredible achievement.'
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales full-back Williams searches for new club
Wales full-back Liam Williams believes he still has plenty to offer as he looks for a new club for next 34-year-old will leave Saracens at the end of the 2024-25 has not played since suffering a knee injury in Wales' defeat by France in their opening Six Nations game in had surgery three months ago and has been doing some of his rehabilitation with the Wales medical British and Irish Lion is expected to be fit for the start of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing a full pre-season, although he will not be available for Wales' summer tour of Japan."I think I've still got some more left in the tank," said Williams."The knee feels good and my aim is just to get fit and back on the pitch with a new club." Williams says he is aiming to end his career "on a high". "In the past two years I have struggled a bit with injury, but that's the sport we play," he added. "I understand I'm not going to play 30 games a season at my age, but I am more than willing to go into the trenches with the boys for a couple more seasons."Williams is keen to take some coaching responsibility alongside playing."The first thing is for me is to play and then maybe help some of the younger guys through, whether it be on the pitch or with off the pitch stuff," he said."Something I am looking at for the future is coaching or doing some consultancy work, especially with players in the back three." Joining Wales' 100-cap club The France game was Williams' 93rd for Wales, while he has also featured in five Tests for the British and Irish has set his sights on becoming the 10th Welshman to reach 100 caps for his country after Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, George North, Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau, Stephen Jones, Martyn Williams, Leigh Halfpenny and Gareth Thomas."I'd like to get to the 100-cap milestone but the first thing is to get fit and back on the field," he had returned to Six Nations action this year after missing the 2024 tournament while he had a stint in Japanese rugby with Kubota he comes to the end of his second spell with Saracens after returning from Japan, Williams says he does not mind where he goes next."We're pretty open-minded," said Williams."Obviously it'd be nice to stay in Wales and help some of the youngsters through, whether that be in the national squad or our regions."We don't really have a preference, so we will just see what happens and if any clubs are keen."
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Liam Williams in plea for new club and Scotland international dies at 49
Tonight's rugby news as Liam Williams in plea for new club and Scotland international dies at 49 The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond Liam Williams of Wales (Image: 2025 Franco Arland ) Here are the latest rugby headlines on the evening of Saturday, May 10. Liam Williams in plea for new club Wales full-back Liam Williams has confirmed he is looking for a new club after seeing his time at Saracens ended by injury. Williams signed for the English giants in November after a spell in Japan but suffered a knee injury during the opening match of the Six Nations against France and has not played a game of rugby since. He has been recovering over the past few months and is progressing well. But his time with Saracens, who he previously played for between 2017 and 2020 is now coming to and end. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free It remains to be seen if he is fit enough to tour with Wales in Japan this summer. Appearing on the Sportin Wales podcast, hosted by former team-mate Alex Cuthbert, the full-back said: "I had surgery on my knee 12 weeks ago. I had an MRI yesterday and should get the results of that this morning and it all feels great. Article continues below "I'll be looking for a club after that. It's nice going into training. I've enjoyed it over the last 12 years so if there's any clubs out there who want me for an extra year, sign me up." Cuthbert said: "Hopefully you will be picked up. I'm sure there are plenty of clubs out there looking for an experienced man like yourself." Williams, who currently has 93 Wales caps, still wants to continue his international career in the hope of reaching his century. "I think I've got a couple of years left, to be honest with you." he told WalesOnline earlier this year. "My aim is to get 100 caps for Wales and if that happens it is the icing on the cake and if it doesn't then it doesn't that is just the way it is. But that's my aim. Ex-Scottish rugby star dies Former Scotland A international Graham Dall has died at the age of just 49, it has been announced. Back rower Dall was a fine player, representing Scotland A nine times and playing for Edinburgh Reivers in the early 2000s. Tributes have poured in across Scottish rugby, with the Scottish Rugby Uion descrbing him as "an immensely gifted flanker and a proven and charismatic leader". Former team-mate Duncan Hodge paid tribute to Dall, saying: 'Graham Dall was like a modern-day open side. He was 6ft 1ins and 102 kg and he could do the defensive chores and the jackling, but it was his attacking game – he played like a back! – that marked him as a class operator. "He was one of those guys that you just wanted on your team. He was a tough, tough competitor with a skill level that not a lot of people could match. 'Most of us who played in that crossover period between the amateur and professional game, spent a lot of time with him and forged friendships forever. Graham was such a great man, great captain and great bloke. It's a very sad day.' Dall went on to become an orthopaedic surgeon, working in the NHS at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose, specialising in ankle and foot surgery. His younger brother Andrew was capped against Wales in Cardiff in 2003 and was also a Scotland age-grade cap and mainstay of the Edinburgh professional team. Bristol win big Cardiff event By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent Bristol kept themselves firmly in Gallagher Premiership play-off contention after beating west country rivals Bath 36-14 at the Principality Stadium. The Premiership's first game in Wales attracted a crowd of 51,095, with an occasion Bristol billed as the club's 'Big Day Out' not disappointing under a closed roof. Bristol's bonus-point win took them third ahead of next Friday's crunch away clash against play-off rivals Sale Sharks. And while a much-changed Bath – head of rugby Johann Van Graan made 13 changes following a European Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Edinburgh with his team already assured of Premiership top spot – battled hard, they came up short. Bristol prevailed despite collecting four yellow cards and twice being temporarily reduced to 13 players as discipline frequently let them down. Gabriel Ibitoye, Rich Lane, Fitz Harding, Gabriel Oghre, Will Capon and Viliame Mata scored Bristol's tries, with AJ MacGinty kicking three conversions, while Ciaran Donoghue and Ewan Richards touched down for Bath, both converted by Donoghue. Cardiff's hopes go down to wire Cardiff's hopes of securing a maiden appearance in the United Rugby Championship play-offs will go down to the wire following a 45-21 defeat to Bulls in Pretoria. Sitting fifth heading into the final two rounds, tough assignments against Bulls and Stormers in South Africa, the game was over for Cardiff by half-time as the home side ran in four tries. After an early Johan Goosen penalty, Harold Vorster, Wilco Louw, Canan Moodie all crossed, with Goosen and Keagan Johannes (twice) converting, to put Bulls 24-0 ahead just past the first-quarter mark. Cameron Hanekom secured the bonus-point try for Bulls, Johannes again adding the extras, before the break and Sebastian de Klerk's converted score early in the second half extended their lead. Cardiff got on the board through Alex Mann, with Ben Thomas adding the extras and, after De Klerk's second try of the game, Teddy Williams and Gabe Hamer-Webb crossed late on, Thomas converting both. The Welsh side must now hope other results go their way and may also need to beat Stormers on Friday to guarantee a top-eight finish. Surprise Lions call-up not a shock to team-mate By Anthony Brown, PA Zander Fagerson said he was not surprised to see Scott Cummings join him in the British and Irish Lions squad as he backed his fellow Glasgow and Scotland forward to justify his inclusion for this summer's tour of Australia. The 28-year-old lock was one of the more eye-catching names to make Andy Farrell's 38-man squad as he only returned a fortnight ago from a forearm injury that had sidelined him since January and denied him the chance to enhance his claims in this year's Six Nations. But prop Fagerson, himself called up for a second consecutive Lions tour, is in no doubt that the unheralded Cummings is fully deserving of his place. 'Not a major surprise to me, no, I always thought Scott had a chance,' said Fagerson. 'I was just absolutely made up for him. I know missing the Six Nations and stuff, he was absolutely devastated. 'But it just shows you how highly regarded he is to go through that and still get selected. I know he'll be absolutely ready to go, and when he does come in, he'll really contribute to the team.' Fagerson said Cummings would bring a 'calming presence' to the Lions squad. 'Scott's got some attributes to his game which are absolutely top drawer,' said the tighthead. 'Some of his running lines, he's got a soft hand, and also the way he leads the line-out. We've been missing that without him at Glasgow so it's good to see him back playing. Article continues below 'I think his game speaks for itself. Solid defender, great attacker. He does his nuts and bolts really well. You can't ask for more from a second rower. There's nothing flash, but it's a very good basis.' There was some doubt about Fagerson's own inclusion due to the fact he is set to be absent until at least June with a calf injury sustained last month. 'I'm getting there,' said the 29-year-old. 'I'm doing all I can. I'm a fast healer. I'm doing well. I'm on target just now. We'll see what happens.'
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as senior Wales star set to miss Japan tour and fly-half signs for Welsh rivals
Today's rugby news as senior Wales star set to miss Japan tour and fly-half signs for Welsh rivals The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond Liam Williams (second right) is set to miss the Japan tour through injury (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby morning headlines for Saturday, May 3. Wales star set to miss Japan tour Wales full-back Liam Williams is reportedly set to miss the summer tour to Japan. Wales, who are currently without a head coach following Warren Gatland's departure, will take on Japan in a two-Test tour in July as they look to end their 17-match losing streak at international level. However, it seems likely they will try to break that run without Williams. The full-back, who re-joined Saracens this season after a stint in Japan, has not played since injuring his knee in the Six Nations opener against France in January. The 34-year-old had surgery in February, with RugbyJP reporting that he is still three months away from returning to training. Blair Murray seems the obvious choice to fill the void, should he not make the Lions tour to Australia, while Cameron Winnett would seem a likely bet for a recall. Article continues below Fly-half switches Welsh clubs Dragons have confirmed the signing of fly-half Tinus de Beer from rivals Cardiff Rugby. The No 10 brings an end to two successful seasons in the Welsh capital to move east to Rodney Parade for next season. The South African has had a positive influence at Cardiff Arms Park and head coach Filo Tiatia will hope that continues with the Men of Gwent. 'I'm very excited and honoured to join Dragons RFC,' said de Beer. 'It offers me an opportunity to grow professionally, work on new challenges and collaborate with new coaches and team-mates who bring different perspectives and strengths. 'I'm excited to build strong relationships within the team and be part of a culture that values hard work, honesty , respect and continuous improvement. 'The history of the club and the support it receives from the community are incredibly inspiring and I'm excited to be part of a club with such a rich history and passionate supporters base.' Tiatia added: 'I'm looking forward to getting Tinus into the building. We looked closely at how he plays the game and we're excited by the way he can add to us and his attacking nature. 'He's a strong defender, a player who puts himself on the front line, and he brings real tactical awareness to the game. 'We feel he'll be the ideal fit alongside the likes of Angus (O'Brien) and the young 10s we have at the club.' Backs coach Matt O'Brien added: 'Tinus brings experience into the group he gives us options and depth to our back line. 'He's a running threat, has a strong kicking game and is tough defensively. 'Tinus has proven he is a top performer in the URC, with an outstanding first season at Cardiff. He's been unfortunate with injuries this season, but he undoubtedly comes to us motivated to show his best form. 'Tinus is a top professional, all his former coaches have spoken very highly of him, so we're looking forward to what he will bring to the environment here.' Welsh captain 'already on the plane' - English legend Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio has named Wales skipper Jac Morgan as one of his five players 'already on the plane' for the Lions. The former No. 8, who toured with the Lions on three occasions, was asked by TNT Sport to pick five players who were guaranteed Dallaglio picked Ireland captain Caelan Doris as his first choice, before opting for England skipper as his second. Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell were his next two picks, before he opted for Morgan. Sexton and Russell can shelve difference on Lions tour Former Scotland and Lions scrum-half Greig Laidlaw has backed Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton to put aside their differences this summer. Sexton, who has been appointed as a coach for this summer's tour, has previously been critical of Scotland fly-half Russell over his inclusion on the 2021 tour of South Africa. "Finn's definitely going to be on that tour, I would believe," Laidlaw told BBC Scotland. "I think he's going to get himself there on merit. He's been excellent, went on the last tour, played really well in the third Test. "He's a quality player, he's been in excellent form for Bath as well, flying high in the Premiership. "When you look at that coaching staff now with Jonny Sexton, Richard Wigglesworth, I think it lends more to them also including Owen Farrell. I could probably see that happening. "If that happens, I still see Finn going as well, probably those two plus Sam Prendergast as well. So I can't see why he's not going to be in the squad." Laidlaw, who played with Sexton on the 2017 tour of New Zealand, added: "Sexton was the ultimate competitor. "I had the privilege of sharing some time with him on that trip and I certainly learned a bit off him. "He's just a different person to Finn. He's obviously more serious. He's just completely different. "Hopefully now that he's obviously not playing, some of that stuff will waver away and surely they can put the differences to one side and hopefully get on with each other." Northampton's Fin Smith eager to seize final chance to show Lions credentials By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent England fly-half Fin Smith says he has 'huge respect and admiration' for his Ireland counterpart Sam Prendergast ahead of a final British and Irish Lions audition. They are set for an intriguing head-to-head in today's Investec Champions Cup semi-final between Northampton and Leinster. And it comes just five days before Lions head coach Andy Farrell announces his squad for this summer's tour to Australia. Smith and Prendergast are firmly in the selection mix, having excelled on the international stage this season, generating a fascinating sub-plot. 'I am always looking at other 10s and seeing if I can learn bits and bobs. I have got huge respect and admiration for him,' Northampton playmaker Smith said. 'The way he has carried himself in such a calm manner and been incredibly unfazed, particularly with some of the madness the Irish media have chucked to the (Jack) Crowley-Prendergast debate, has been impressive. 'He has got a real box of tricks with the variety of his kicking and some of his late passing at the line.' Asked about the Lions selection countdown, Smith added: 'Everyone will give you the bog-standard answer of 'No, I just want to focus on my game'. 'But at the same time I am fully aware this is a big game under the microscope which is probably the last chance I've got to put my best foot forward before selection happens. 'It won't hopefully change too much in terms of what I am trying to do, but I definitely want to go out there and play well with that (Lions) being one of many incentives.' Northampton lost narrowly to Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-finals last season and will relish another huge challenge against the four-time tournament winners in Dublin. One of Saints' biggest tasks, though, will be to unlock a Leinster defence that ensured shut-outs of last-16 opponents Harlequins (62-0) and quarter-final rivals Glasgow (52-0). Smith added: 'It (Leinster's defensive system) is very similar to the one we used with England under Felix Jones, so I've got a fair understanding of the system and what they will be talking about. 'Understanding it is one thing. Managing to find a way round it is another. We've spoken about a few things this week. 'They obviously come really hard off the line, so we will have to play a bit deeper than we might usually like to and probably be a bit less predictable than we usually would in terms of running shape.' Leinster have lost in three successive Champions Cup finals, but they are favourites to land a fifth title seven years after the last one. Just two defeats across 22 Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship games this season underlines their quality and consistency. 'I did watch them play against Glasgow and I watched them play the week before that when they stuck however many on Harlequins as well,' Smith said. 'And at times you watch them and you think, 'Flipping heck, how do you stop that?'. But that is the nature of the beast. You have got to figure it out. Article continues below 'I would say when you let them get into their flow and you sit back and watch them attack and play into their hands with the ball as well, you have already lost. 'You have got to try and attack them, try and ruffle some feathers and go with them rather than let them settle in.'
BBC News
28-04-2025
- BBC News
West Mercia Police officer admits drink driving on way to work
A police officer has admitted to drink driving after he was involved in a crash while on his way to work. Liam Williams, 20, has been disqualified from driving for 12 months and was handed a £250 fine over the incident on Deansway, Worcester, on 18 February. Mr Williams, who was suspended by West Mercia Police at the time of the offence, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court earlier. The BBC has contacted the force for comment. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
