Liam Williams announces retirement from professional rugby

Newcastle Red Bulls full-back Liam Williams has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

The Welsh great won 93 caps and a Grand Slam during a glittering international career which also saw him going on two British and Irish Lions tours, playing five tests.

The 34-year-old was equally successful on the club stage, winning the Gallagher PREM and Champions Cup titles with Saracens as well as the URC with the Scarlets.

Also playing club rugby for Cardiff and Japanese side Kubota Spears prior to joining Newcastle last summer, Williams made three appearances for the Red Bulls.

Upon announcing his retirement from the game, he said: “I’ve loved my time as a professional rugby player, during which time I’ve made so many great friends and enjoyed incredible memories.

“Unfortunately injuries have meant I have not been able to contribute on the field as much as I would have liked during my time in Newcastle, but I would like to thank the club and our supporters for making my family and I feel so welcome during our time in the North East.

“It’s a great club with a really exciting future, and despite my own playing opportunities being limited due to injury I hope I have been able to contribute positively behind the scenes towards the continued growth of the squad.”

Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Liam will rightly be regarded as one of the best players of his generation.

“He has been a consistent winner at club and international level for more than a decade, and despite injuries limiting his playing opportunities during his time in Newcastle he has been a model professional in supporting and developing the players around him.

“He has been part of the first wave of Newcastle Red Bulls players, who will always be welcome here, and will hopefully remain strong ambassadors for our club and its ambitions.

“I have got no doubt that he still has a lot to offer the game, should he wish to remain in rugby, but first and foremost we just want to congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish him and his family all the best for whatever lies ahead.”