Ex-Kubota full-back Liam Williams takes on mentorship role at Scarlets

Ex-Kubota Spears full-back Liam Williams has returned to URC side Scarlets in a mentorship role to nurture to the club’s new generation of young backs.

Williams, 35, called time on his illustrious career in March due to a persistent knee injury.

The 93-cap Welsh legend won the Pro12 Grand Final with the Scarlets in 2017 before joining English giants Saracens who he helped to win both the Premiership title and the European Rugby Champions Cup in 2019.

After a short stay with Cardiff, ex-scaffolder Williams joined Japan Rugby League One side Kubota Spears in 2023 and scored three tries in six appearances. The British and Irish Lion rejoined Saracens in 2024 before finishing his trophy-laden career at Newcastle Red Bulls this season.

The three-time Six Nations winner has put his boots back on at Parc y Scarlets this week.

Williams has started mentoring Scarlets’ highly-talented young backline which includes homegrown 20-year-old livewire Callum Woolley who has already featured for the Great Britain sevens team in Singapore and Perth. 

© Scarlets

Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies revealed that Williams approached the club about mentoring their fledgling back-three players.

“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.

“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 benefitted from the experience around him.”

Former Wales international Davies aims to accelerate the progress of their young prospects and believes that first team-bound speedster Woolley will reap the benefits of working with the returning club legend.

“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.

“He’s (Liam’s) been working a bit with Callum and some of that work on him 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.”

Scarlets, who are 14th in the URC after a disappointing campaign, host Welsh rivals Cardiff on Saturday.