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Liam Williams has admitted that leaving Japan and moving to Saracens was partly fuelled by his desire to be available for Wales.
The British and Irish Lions star’s contract with Kubota Spears was cut short last month before he was announced as a new Saracens signing — the club for whom he played between 2017 and 2019 — the following day.
After a dismal 12 months for Wales, Warren Gatland will no doubt want to select the strongest squad possible for the Six Nations in a bid to arrest the dire 12-Test losing streak. And Williams, who can operate at full-back or on the wing, will doubtless be in the conversation.
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The 33-year-old has just become a father and while clearly being half way across the world is not ideal — “I timed it wrong with the baby,” he said of the move to Japan — he admitted that the thought of a Wales recall also served as motivation.
“It’s been at the back of my mind. It was a little bit of a reason to head back home. If it happens, it happens. But if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” he told the Daily Mail.
“Who knows what Gats is going to do. I don’t know if he’s staying or going or who he’s going to pick. Nobody knows. Hopefully, I can just keep playing well here and get some game time.”
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Gatland will get a good look at Williams in the coming weeks, with Saracens taking on Northampton, Bath and Bristol in the upcoming festive fixtures.
Williams toured with Wales in Australia but missed last year’s Six Nations owing to being out in Japan. He also missed this most recent set of autumn fixtures due to injury and he opened up on the severity of his knee problem while on the tour to Australia with Wales back in the summer.
“It’s good to be back. I haven’t played any rugby for a little while – since the summer tour,” added Williams, who made his second debut for Sarries last weekend, scoring a try in the win over Stade Francais.
“I had a bit of trouble with my knee before Australia from the back end of the season out in Japan. I played the two Tests in Australia, but I had to get my knee drained twice, three times a week, just to play those two games there. I came back and had a meniscus repair, just a little bit of a clean-up, and it’s not been quite right since.
“I wanted to play in the autumn, but I wasn’t fit enough so I just trained with the team in camp.
“The opportunity arose to come here to this great club, one which is close to my heart, and I’ve been here before, so I jumped at the chance. Ideally, I’d like to be close to home but me and my wife love this club.”