COVID HIT MY WALES RETURN
WALES centre Owen Williams has explained how the coronavirus pandemic led to a planned move to one of the Welsh regions falling through.
The 28-year-old star, who can also play fly-half, has temporarily turned his back on his Test career after joining Japanese side the Red Hurricanes.
As an exile, Williams becomes ineligible for Wales under Welsh Rugby Union policy because he has fewer than 60 caps.
Williams revealed he held talks with Welsh regions and intended to sign for one of them after ending his time in the Gallagher Premiership with Gloucester.
But he explainsed contract deals were being pushed back because of the uncertainty surrounding the sport and jumped at the chance of a move to Japan instead.
Highly-rated Williams insists he still wants to be part of Wayne Pivac’s plans and intends to return to Wales when the Japanese spell is over. He was due to feature in the Six Nations clash with Ireland this year, before tearing his hamstring.
“I spoke to a few regions and I was set on coming back because I wanted to play for Wales,” Williams told the BBC.
“With everything that went on with the coronavirus, everything got pushed back a bit like signing contracts. I probably would have got a deal with a region a lot sooner if not for coronavirus.
“Japan became an option and I just thought it is a great opportunity and the timing is right. It is something completely different and I have always wanted to experience things in my career.
“There are no guarantees and I thought I might never get this opportunity again, so let’s go for it.
“Financially there is also a lot more certainty in Japan than there is in Wales at the moment.”
But he emphasised: “I definitely want to play for Wales again, I feel like three caps is not enough for me.
“You never know, it could be in a year or two years’ time.”
Williams has spoken to Pivac about his move into exile, saying: “He said if I wanted to play for Wales, it is better if I was playing in Wales and I agreed with him.
“We had a chat where he thought I would fit in best, which was the best region. Before I made my decision I let him and the coaches at the regions know why I made that choice.
“He said to stay in touch and we will speak a couple of months down the line.”
Williams’ Welsh colleague Hadleigh Parkes has also moved to Japan, calling time on his Wales career, while the most high-profile signing is that of Beauden Barrett, the world’s best player.