Full-back Liam Williams has retired from club rugby shortly after ending his international career, parting ways with Newcastle Red Bulls due to an ongoing injury.

The last few years of Welsh Rugby have been highlighted by a changing of the guard, and this week was another reminder that an era has truly come to an end.

Williams debuted for the Scarlets in 2011 and earned his first Wales cap a summer later in 2012.

Over his 15-year career, ‘Sanjay’ made 93 caps for Wales and became one of his generation’s most decorated players across club and country level.

He won two six nations with Wales, including the 2019 grand slam, and featured in two Lions tours in 2017 and 2021.

Williams also won multiple trophies for different clubs. He scored the opening try in the 2017 Pro12 grand final where his Scarlets beat Munster to win the trophy for the first time in 13 years.

2018 was a year for change but more success as Williams moved to the Saracens, winning the Gallagher PREM and the Champions Cup in his first season.

His individual ability speaks for itself amongst the trophies that his teams have won, as he was recognized as Welsh player of the year in 2014.

Williams 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 Northeast.

“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.”

Neil McIlroy, Newcastle Red Bulls Sporting general manager, 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.

“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.”

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