Former Wales and Cardiff Rugby scrumhalf Lloyd Williams has announced that he has retired from professional rugby.

Williams made his Wales debut in 2011, playing 36 times for his country, scoring two tries and winning his last cap in 2023.

His most famous moment in the red of Wales came at the 2015 World Cup, where, playing as an emergency winger, his second half kick was gathered by fellow scrum-half Gareth Davies for the deciding try against hosts England at Twickenham.

Williams’ first taste of international rugby came against Wales, when he played for the Barbarians against his home country in June 2011.

He was called into the Wales training squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but had to wait to win his first cap until August of that year against Argentina.

Williams was also part of three different Six Nations winning squads, in 2012, 2013, and 2021.

“It’s kind of a heart and head decision; the heart tells me to keep on playing, but my head is saying I need to start looking after my body and start focusing on the next chapter,” he said.

“I’ve had a fantastic year here at Worcester, it’s something I’m really proud of and will look back with a lot of fond memories.

“The fact that this year will be my lasting memory of professional sport as a player is seriously special.”

Williams retires as a Cardiff Rugby legend, holding the modern day appearances record, playing 261 times for the Blue and Blacks, scoring 42 tries in the process.

While at Cardiff, he won the European Challenge Cup in 2018 as well as captaining the side.

Following his departure from Cardiff, he spent two seasons at Ealing Trailfinders, before playing his final season for fellow English Championship side Worcester Warriors.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.