Johnny Williams (rugby union, born 1996)

Not to be confused with Johnny Williams (rugby union, born 1982).

Johnny Williams
Birth nameJohn Bleddyn Rhys Williams
Date of birth (1996-10-18) 18 October 1996 (age 28)
Place of birthWeston-super-Mare, England
Height1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight105 kg (16 st 7 lb)
SchoolThe Forest School, Winnersh, St Paul's College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Scarlets
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015–2018 London Irish 51 (60)
2018–2020 Newcastle Falcons 17 (25)
2020– Scarlets 31 (30)
Correct as of 17 October 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016 England U20 5 (15)
2020– Wales 7 (10)
Correct as of 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.[7]

International

Williams played for England under 20s in the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, including starting the final where England beat Ireland.[8]

In March 2019, Williams was named as a target of interest for incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac,[9] after it was confirmed that Williams is qualified to play internationally for the country through his father, who is from Rhyl.[7] 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  England Llanelli, Wales Parc y Scarlets Autumn Nations Cup 28 November 2020 Loss
2  New Zealand Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2021 Autumn internationals 30 October 2021 Loss

References

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