Williams puts his faith in Wilson’s rebuilding job
NICK WILLIAMS admits he hardly ever “sang the Blues” but is ready to help Cardiff hit the right note.
The former All Black revealed his former club Ulster rarely rated the Welsh capital city club following their steady decline in the Pro12. And it is hardly surprising given the success he has enjoyed during his previous eight years in the league.
But now the back-rower is eager to spearhead Danny Wilson’s revival plan for the region following his arrival this summer.
Williams told The Rugby Paper: “When I was at Ulster we wouldn’t have rated the Blues as highly as they probably should have been. They have been struggling in the last three or four seasons.
“Now I’m here and along with other new signings, I’d like to think we are moving in the right direction under Danny Wilson’s guidance.
“The good thing about this squad is that we might not have the biggest of names, but we have a lot of hard workers. That’s what makes a team.
“This team is going through a rebuilding phase and I want to be part of a group that puts it back on the pedestal on which it deserves to be. We have some great young talent that people haven’t seen yet. I think we are in good shape, so watch this space.”
Williams lifted the Pro12 trophy in his first season at Munster as well as reaching the Heineken Cup semi-finals in both years with the province.
He spent two years in Italy with Aironi before joining Ulster where he reached the league play-offs in each of his four seasons. In contrast, the Blues have slowly slipped down the table.
However, Williams admits the chance to play with Wales skipper Sam Warburton helped seal his move.
And the 32-year-old, the biggest of the new signings by ambitious new coach Wilson, is desperate to kickstart the next stage of his much-travelled career.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with Sam because he is a world-class player. There are also some old heads around me in Jarrad Hoeata and Tau Filise, who I played with back home in New Zealand,” said Williams.
“The coaches haven’t put me under any pressure after my shoulder surgery at the end of last season and have just asked me to be fit and fully ready at the start of the season.
“It’s just a matter of getting the final half per cent right.”
When firing on all cylinders, Rugby Paper columnist Shane Williams reckons the powerful No.8 could be the ‘missing link’ to help transform Cardiff’s fortunes in the way compatriot Xavier Rush led the club’s charge.
And Warburton feels similar, telling TRP: “Nick has been one of the best and most influential players in the Pro12 and it is great for us having him in our squad.If we can get 10-15 top games out of him it will make a massive difference to our season.”
Williams added: “This is a fresh start for me now. Belfast was very special for me and my family, and I have to give them great thanks because they helped me to revive my career, but coming to Cardiff and being among a new bunch of lads is very exciting.”