Williams says ‘more left in the tank’ after Saracens exit

Wales full-back Liam Williams believes he still has plenty to offer as he looks for a new club for next season.

The 34-year-old will leave Saracens at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Williams has not played since suffering a knee injury in Wales’ defeat by France in their opening Six Nations game in January.

He had surgery three months ago and has been doing some of his rehabilitation with the Wales medical team.

The former British and Irish Lion is expected to be fit for the start of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing a full pre-season, although he will not be available for Wales’ summer tour of Japan.

“I think I’ve still got some more left in the tank,” said Williams.

Williams says he is aiming to end his career “on a high”.

“In the past two years I have struggled a bit with injury, but that’s the sport we play,” he added.

“I understand I’m not going to play 30 games a season at my age, but I am more than willing to go into the trenches with the boys for a couple more seasons.”

Williams is keen to take some coaching responsibility alongside playing.

“The first thing is for me is to play and then maybe help some of the younger guys through, whether it be on the pitch or with off the pitch stuff,” he said.

The France game was Williams’ 93rd for Wales, while he has also featured in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

He has set his sights on becoming the 10th Welshman to reach 100 caps for his country after Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, George North, Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau, Stephen Jones, Martyn Williams, Leigh Halfpenny and Gareth Thomas.

“I’d like to get to the 100-cap milestone but the first thing is to get fit and back on the field,” he said.

Williams had returned to Six Nations action this year after missing the 2024 tournament while he had a stint in Japanese rugby with Kubota Spears.

As he comes to the end of his second spell with Saracens after returning from Japan, Williams says he does not mind where he goes next.

“We’re pretty open-minded,” he added.

“Obviously it’d be nice to stay in Wales and help some of the youngsters through, whether that be in the national squad or our regions.