Ex-Top League star set for Legends tour in Australia

Former Mitsubishi Dynaboars wing Shane Williams is set to play for a British and Irish Legends team against Australia next month.

Welsh wing wizard Williams, 48, ended his glittering career by spending three seasons at Top League (now League One) side Dynaboars before retiring in 2015.

The 2008 World Player of The Year now balances his job as Rugby Academy Manager at his old school Ysgol Dyffryn Aman - formerly Amman Valley Comprehensive – with media work and his various fundraising activities.

Amman United RFC product Williams, who completed Ironman Wales last year, will put his boots back on for a special touring British and Irish Legends team who will play their Australian counterparts in a two-match series in July.  

“I would always try to support these charities and love a run out despite not quite having the wheels I once had,” Wales’ record try scorer told RugbyJP.com.

“I knew I would be in Australia for media on the Lions tour, so when Chris (Butterworth) asked me, I had no hesitation in saying yes. Delighted at the squad we have pulled together, with a good mix from all four countries. Been a while since I played with (Alex) Cuthbert, (Leigh) Halfpenny and (Dan) Biggar!”

Williams, who toured with the Lions in 2005, 2009 and 2013, can’t wait to see the Australian line-up and also had a message for any Japanese fans who will happen to be Down Under in July.

“I can’t wait to see who the Aussies put out, but it should be two great games,” said the Neath and Ospreys great, before, as a true Welshman, adding: “of course, the 3rd half is always good fun as well.

“I have fond memories of my amazing three years in Tokyo and hope to see some Japanese fans there, but please make sure they are wearing red not gold!” 

Picture courtesy of Mitsubishi Dynaboars

The idea for tourists’ team, who have no affiliation to the British and Irish Lions team, came about when a British and Irish Legends team played a side Classic Wallabies in a friendly exhibition in front of 12,000 fans at the North Sydney Oval in 2013.

Sportingclass Consultant Chris Butterworth, who is part of the management team organising the tour, told us about the intense interest in the Legends' games.

“The players are delighted and really looking forward to the game," he told RugbyJP.com.

“Reuniting with former teammates and adversaries on the other side of the world, playing together and watching the Lions Series is a phenomenal opportunity. Word of mouth has got out and big name players are now approaching us, offering their services.” 

The British Legends squad to play the Classic Wallabies

All profits from the games, which will played in Melbourne on 24 July and in Sydney on 31 July, will be donated to two charities, The Australian Former Players Association and the Atlas Foundation.

The tour will also include embassy visits, charity outreach work, golf days and trips to support the British and Irish Lions when their schedule permits.

“Of course, the British and Irish Lions are aware of the British and Irish Legends team who will be playing in the two matches,” added Butterworth.

The Legends team, who were asked not to use the Lions name and not to wear red, will wear a special kit designed by Australian sportswear manufacturer Inferno Sports, who signed an apparel partnership with the Classic Wallabies in 2021.

For more information on the Legends series visit https://legendsseries2025.rugby/