Johnny Williams (rugby union, born 1996) explained

Johnny Williams
Birth Name:John Bleddyn Rhys Williams
Birth Date:18 October 1996
Birth Place:Weston-super-Mare, England
Height:1.9m (06.2feet)
Weight:105kg (231lb)
School:The Forest School, Winnersh, St Paul's College
Ru Currentteam:Scarlets
Ru Position:Centre
Ru Clubyears:2015–2018
2018–2020
2020–
Ru Proclubs:London Irish
Newcastle Falcons
Scarlets
Ru Clubcaps:51
17
31
Ru Clubpoints:(60)
(25)
(30)
Ru Clubupdate:17 October 2023
Ru Nationalyears:2016
2020–
Ru Nationalteam:England U20
Wales
Ru Nationalcaps:5
7
Ru Nationalpoints:(15)
(10)
Ru Ntupdate:7 February 2021

Johnny Williams (born 18 October 1996) is a professional rugby union player who plays as a centre for the Scarlets in the Pro14 and the Wales national team.[1]

Career

Williams made his debut for London Irish at the age of 18,[2] and signed for Newcastle Falcons in May 2018 following Irish's relegation.[3]

In 2019 Williams revealed he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, and would take time away from the game to undergo treatment.[4] [5] He returned to professional rugby in January 2020.[6]

On 14 July 2020, Williams signed for Pro14 side Scarlets ahead of the 2020–21 season.

International

Williams played for England under 20s in the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, including starting the final where England beat Ireland.[7]

In March 2019, Williams was named as a target of interest for incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac,[8] after it was confirmed that Williams is qualified to play internationally for the country through his father, who is from Rhyl.[9] He also identifies as Welsh, like his father.[10]

In June 2019 Williams played for England in a non capped international 51–43 win against the Barbarians, scoring a try.[11]

On 6 October 2020 Williams was named in the senior Wales squad for the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.[12]

Williams made his debut for Wales on the 18 November 2020 in the starting line-up for the 18–0 win against Georgia.[13] On 28 November 2020 in his second appearance for Wales he scored a try in the 24–13 defeat against England.[14]

International tries

Try Opponent Location Venue Competition Date Result
1 Loss
2 Loss

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Johnny Williams . ESPN scrum. 31 March 2019.
  2. News: Williams is lean, keen and ready to fight for England dream. The Rugby Paper. 2 August 2017. 31 March 2019.
  3. News: Johnny Williams: Newcastle to sign centre from relegated London Irish. 11 May 2018. 31 March 2019. BBC Sport.
  4. Web site: England centre diagnosed with testicular cancer. 8 October 2019. Ruck. 12 January 2020.
  5. News: Newcastle Falcons' Johnny Williams: 'I never thought I would get cancer'. 12 November 2019. 12 January 2020. BBC Sport.
  6. News: Johnny Williams: Newcastle Falcons centre back after cancer treatment. 10 January 2020. 12 January 2020. BBC Sport.
  7. News: Dominant England blow Ireland away in U20 World Cup final. The Irish Independent. 25 June 2016. 24 March 2019.
  8. News: The five England hopefuls Wales are reportedly attempting to poach before next year's Rugby World Cup. Wales Online. 13 May 2018. 31 March 2019.
  9. News: Scarlets announce signing of Johnny Williams, the man who played for England but still qualifies for Wales. Wales Online. 14 July 2020. 2 August 2020.
  10. News: Webb . Nick . 19 November 2020 . Centre Williams on Wales switch and cancer fight . BBC Sport . 29 November 2020 .
  11. News: Cantillon . Michael . 2 June 2019 . England 51-43 Barbarians: Inexperienced XV register shock win at Twickenham . skysports.com . 29 November 2020 .
  12. News: Wales name uncapped Bristol duo Lloyd and Sheedy in autumn squad . 6 October 2020. 6 October 2020. BBC Sport.
  13. News: Griffiths . Gareth . 21 November 2020 . Wales 18-0 Georgia . BBC Sport . 29 November 2020 .
  14. News: Griffiths . Gareth . 28 November 2020 . Wales 13-24 England . BBC Sport . 29 November 2020 .