Williams is dreaming big after injury nightmare
MATT Williams is working hard to become a “world class” performer and give England coach Jones a firm nudge in his direction.
The London Irish centre says the injury nightmare which interrupted his rise to the top of the rugby ladder has been replaced by an even more vivid dream to represent his country.
Williams is getting up to speed again following the damaged ACL which sidelined him for a year and made two Premiership bench appearances before making his first start of the season yesterday in the cup against Northampton.
And the 23-year-old, who played his part in the incredible Irish fightback draw at Sarries last weekend, believes he can now really press his claims for honours on the highest stage having been capped at junior level by England.
Williams told TRP: “I’d be lying if I said I’m not hoping to get a look in with the England squad. It is at the back of my head but there’s a lot of things for me to achieve with Irish first.
“Most players dream of it, and I am no different. It’s out of my hands but I can give myself the best chance by consistently playing well for Irish and see where it takes me.
“The ACL came at a very frustrating time because I had broken into the starting fifteen at Irish and was hoping to hold down a place. So you could say it was a big hiccup for a year.
“When I came back in
September, I felt good enough and ready to play. There’s always doubts in your mind about how you will deal with it once you are on the field, and are you going to be as good as before.
“I’ve now had some game time and I feel stronger, quicker and even more skilful than before I was injured. I’ve been working on things like my speed and power to try and make myself world class.”
Williams insists it is vital Irish use the memorable 14-man recovery at StoneX Stadium to show they can be more consistent and a real Premiership force.
It was a third draw for Exiles this season and he admits: “It was bitter sweet. It was a great comeback and a lot of people would have thought we had no chance. But our players on the field certainly did and it showed just what fighting spirit, belief and resilience there is in the side – but we shouldn’t have been that far behind and in such a difficult position in the first place. We need to start games better. It’s all about getting that consistency in each game and over the 80 minutes.
“We know we are good enough to beat any team in this league. We have won at Sandy Park already and we are not far off that top four which is where we believe we can be and should be. We are picking up points in every game we play but we need more wins.
“Once we get the cup games out the way we have more huge Premiership games against Harlequins and Newcastle, and then head into Europe.”