Wales and British & Irish Lions star Liam Williams retires from international rugby
Published 23/01/2026 at 15:22 GMT
Liam Williams has announced his retirement from international rugby, after earning 93 caps for Wales and scoring 21 tries for his country. He toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021, playing in five Tests. Williams will continue to play for Gallagher PREM side Newcastle Red Bulls, who he signed for last season after his second stint with Saracens.
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Wales full-back Liam Williams has retired from international rugby union.
The 34-year-old earned 93 caps for his country after making his international debut in 2012, and scored 21 tries. He played in three Rugby World Cups and won two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam.
Williams, who plays for Gallagher PREM side Newcastle Red Bulls, having left Saracens at the end of the 2024/25 season, also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021, playing in five Tests.
His last appearance for Wales came in 2025 against France.
Having been a scaffolder in Port Talbot while playing at an amateur level, Williams made his professional debut for Welsh side Scarlets in September 2011, and went on to debut for Wales less than a year later.
He won a Pro12 title with the Welsh region, before leaving for English side Saracens and won the Premiership and Champions Cup there.
In the 2019 final against Exeter Chiefs, he started and scored a try as Saracens retained their title.
He left to rejoin Scarlets before a stint with Cardiff, and left Europe entirely for a brief tenure at Japanese side Kubota Spears, before returning to Saracens in 2024.
Williams had been left out of Steve Tandy's squads for the recent Autumn Internationals and upcoming Six Nations campaigns.
He announced his decision to hang up his boots on social media.
"I have decided that the time has come to say goodbye," he wrote. "The three feathers. My home. Thank you.
"I turned professional in 2011, and earned my first cap for Wales in 2012. Over the following 14 years, I had the privilege of representing my country 93 times, something I could never have imagined when I was growing up.
"The trophies. The wins. But also the losses. They all taught me something.
"From working as a scaffolder in Port Talbot steelworks, to pulling on that famous red jersey. It's been a journey built on hard work, sacrifice, and the support of so many people along the way."
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Williams continued: "The dedicated and loyal Welsh fans. Amazing team-mates, great coaches, the backroom staff and friends. I will miss the buzz of the changing rooms. The clashes with opponents who also became mates.
"The banter with team-mates, the highs and the lows. The countries I was fortunate to visit and the experiences along the way. To also represent the British & Irish Lions on two tours, and earn five caps, is an experience I'll always be grateful for.
"To my wife Sophie and our little boy Leo, thank you. You've been my rock, and you've both given me a whole new perspective on what truly matters in life.
"I also want to thank my close family for the unwavering support over the years," he added. "Without you none of this would have been possible. I hope I made all of you proud.
"I step away from international rugby with no regrets, only pride, and gratitude, for the opportunity given to me. Diolch."
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