Liam Williams releases emotional video as knee injuries 'take toll' and lead to retirement for former Wales full-back
Published 26/03/2026 at 10:32 GMT
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From scaffolder to international rugby union star, Liam Williams enjoyed a rapid rise in the game, as he became a mainstay in the Wales team for more than a decade. Having retired from the international scene in January 2026, Williams has now walked away from the game completely after knee injuries hampered the final years of his glittering career. He last played for Newcastle Red Bulls.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Former Wales international full-back Liam Williams says ongoing knee problems have led to him calling time on his career in rugby union.
Williams - who most recently played for Newcastle Red Bulls in the Gallagher PREM - has retired with immediate effect, bringing his impressive career to an end.
"I’ve been professional for 15 years - that takes its toll," he said in an online video announcing his decision. "I think it’s the right time for me to call it a day.
"I’ve always thought I would go out on my own terms. Having knee trouble for the past two years has taken its toll."
Williams played amateur rugby while working as a scaffolder in the Port Talbot steelworks before Scarlets picked him up in 2010.
Speaking about some of his best memories in the game, Williams said: "My first run out for Scarlets was a big one for me, having come from scaffolding 18 months before that. Some of the best days I’ve had on a rugby pitch."
He won a Pro12 title with the Welsh side during what turned out to be the first of two spells with the club, before leaving for England, where he won the Premiership and Champions Cup with Saracens.
Williams also went on to play club rugby for Cardiff and Japanese side Kubota Spears.
Asked how he would want to be remembered in the game, Williams said: "From that skinny kid with long, scraggly hair, flying about the training pitch. Somebody who played with their heart on their sleeve, always gave 110%, and loved every minute of it."
"The feeling I have is one of immense pride," Williams said when reflecting on a career which saw him become a mainstay on the international stage, where he won 93 caps for Wales.
He made his debut against the Barbarians in 2012 at the Millennium Stadium in what he has called a "big moment" in his career.
Two Six Nations titles and 21 tries later, Williams brought his international career to an end earlier this year.
He also toured with the British and Irish Lions on two occasions, and played in five Tests across the trips to New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021.
Williams played under a number of coaches and has praised the likes of Neil Jenkins and Nigel Davies for helping him throughout his career.
However, there was one coach that stood out from the rest for Williams.
"Warren Gatland would be up there for me. Shaped me into the man I am,” he said while fighting back tears during his retirement announcement.
Williams also thanked his family for their love and support: "For me, it will be my mum and dad firstly. Taking me to rugby [on] Sunday mornings.
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"Sophie [his wife] knows how hard I train and how hard I play and she comes everywhere to support me as well, which is obviously the best part.
"Now we’ve got Leo [his son], it’s probably the hardest thing is not being able to play when he’ll be able to come and watch.
"Lastly, I'd like to thank all of the fans out there who supported me on the way. My journey's ended but a new chapter is about to begin."
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