Kubota Spears full-back Liam Williams has reiterated his desire to return to the international Test rugby fold for Wales’ summer tour to Australia and has recently spoken to head coach Warren Gatland about his 2027 World Cup ambitions.
Williams, 33, has scored three tries in six League One appearances for defending champions Kubota who have unable to make a play-off push after losing seven of their 15 games.
The former Scarlets, Saracens and Cardiff man, who has 89 caps for his country, has endured an injury-hit campaign but when he has been able to play in Japan's top-flight he’s unsurprisingly stood as out as one of his club’s best performers.
“I still intend to play for Wales and have my hand out for the summer tour of Australia if the opportunity arises,” Williams told RugbyJapan365.
The former scaffolder, who started his career at Waunarlwydd and Penlan RFC before turning pro with the Scarlets in 2011, made his Wales debut in 2012 and has represented his country at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
Williams believes he can still make it to the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.
“I spoke to Warren Gatland just two weeks ago and he said he would consider putting me on the (2027 RWC) squad.
“I would like to play if given the chance but that depends on the head coach's decision,” added the 2019 Grand Slam winner who has six caps for the British and Irish Lions.
Since Williams joined Kubota last year - and following Leigh Halfpenny’s international retirement - Wales has blooded Cardiff’s 21-year-old wonderkid Cameron Winnett in the Six Nations in the full-back berth and the youngster made a strong case to being the full-time front-runner for the 15 jersey.
Ironically Williams was in the stands in Cardiff – pictured passionately signing his national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau - as an emotional Winnett made his senior Wales debut against Scotland in February.
Williams is in line to remain in Japan at Kubota next season after the club announced the names of 12 players who will leave this summer including All Blacks legend Dane Coles while former Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley is, like Williams, poised to extend his stay in League One.
“It was a good year, I didn't play as much as I would have liked,” added the Welshman.
“I want to show more of my performance next season.”
Kubota, who thrashed strugglers Honda Heat 61-24 on Saturday, conclude their season away at second-placed title chasers Suntory Sungoliath on Saturday 4 May at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo. Pictures courtesy of Kubota Spears