Ex-Kubota star Liam Williams set to be a free agent

Former Kubota Spears full-back Liam Williams will be a free agent this summer after his short-term contract with Saracens expires.

The 34-year-old Welsh international, who RugbyJP.com recently revealed will miss Wales’ two-match tour to Japan in July, is on the comeback trail after undergoing knee surgery in February.

Former Scarlets and Cardiff star Williams spent the 2023-2024 season with Kubota Spears, making seven appearances for Frans Ludeke’s star-laden side.

The decorated Welshman cut short his time in Japan after one year and was released to re-join former club Saracens but his playing time at the StoneX Stadium outfit has been limited to five appearances due to injuries.  

“The knee feels great,” said Williams on the latest edition of the Sportin Wales podcast.  

“I’ll be looking for a club (this summer). If there’s any clubs out there looking for me for an extra year, sign me up."

Williams, a 93-cap international who toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021, last represented his country in their opening round Six Nations defeat at the hands of eventual winners France.

Wales, whose losing streak now stands at a record 17 games, will face Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms on 5 and 12 July in Kitakyushu and Kobe. 

The Welsh Rugby Union are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Warren Gatland with just 51 days until 12th-ranked Wales open their tour against 13th-ranked Japan in a series which could have a significant bearing on the seedings for the 2027 World Cup draw.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for full on-site coverage of Wales’ tour in Japan.  

Picture courtesy of Kubota Spears