Former Wales and British Lions full-back Liam Williams has returned to one of his former clubs, Scarlets, to help mentor some of their young backs.
Williams, who played 93 times for Wales, scoring 21 tries and winning the Six Nations twice, called time on his career recently and asked if he could come in for some coaching experience. Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said “Liam WIlliams has been in with us this week. Liam asked if he could come in, and I thought it was an ideal opportunity as he wants to get some experience in the coaching environment.”
“Really exciting talent”
One of the young backs WIlliams has been working with is Callum Woolley. The 20-year-old has impressed on the wing for Carmarthen Quins in Super Rygbi Cymru, and was selected to represent Great Britain 7s for the World Series legs in Singapore and Perth.
Davies added “We’ve got some really exciting talent. Callum Woolley is a young boy that is not far from starting for us. He was close to starting this week. So in the next three games, he’ll definitely get a start. What we’ve done with him as well, we’re trying to accelerate his development.
“(Williams) has been working a bit with Callum and some of that work on has worked really well this week. I’m really delighted with how that’s gone. He’s somebody we’ll probably see in the next two or three games. He’s six foot four and he’s one of the quickest in Wales. He really is excellent, so what’s not to like?”
“A scrawny little lad”
Davies also spoke about Williams’ involvement. He said “I’ve been impressed with Liam. He’s popped in and one of the things I’ve mentioned is it would be a great opportunity for you to work with one of our younger players. I remember Liam as a 17-year-old long-haired hippie when he came in, a scrawny little lad, and he benefited from the experience around him. He’s been great with him. It’s been great for both of them.”
