BAD BREAK WON’T STOP SHANE’S STADIUM RETURN
SHANE Williams insists he still wants to be back at the Principality Stadium with Amman Utd despite suffering a broken jaw in their National Bowl semi-final win over Cardigan.
The 40-year-old Welsh record try scorer came on as a replacement in the tie at Lampeter and hopes to be fit for his home village’s big day out in Cardiff next month.
“Taking a crack on the jaw wasn’t exactly what I would have wanted heading into the semi,” he said.
“But that’s what I got for my troubles in Lampeter.
“What can I say? I was bumped off the ball on the side of the face and it was later confirmed I had a hairline fracture of the jaw.
“It won’t stop me from playing in the final at the Principality Stadium if I’m needed.
“There is no point moaning about what happened. I played for Neath in the old club game and you learn to accept the rough with the smooth.
“It certainly won’t stop me from taking the field whenever I’m wanted.
“I just love playing rugby and I love pulling on the jersey of the club I first got involved with at the age of eight.
“My friends and a couple of family members play for them, and it means a huge amount for me to figure as well.
“Knocks happen in rugby.
“Rightly or wrongly, someone who has played the international game and steps down to have a few matches at a lower level runs the risk of being singled out for extra attention.
“It’s always been that way, with the odd individual wanting to make a name for himself.
“Generally, the Cardigan lads were great. They had done well to reach the semis and like I said beforehand if they had beaten us I would have wished them all the best for the final.
“You just take the bump and move on.
“I wasn’t the first rugby player to be on the wrong end of a clout and I won’t be the last.
“A few sips from a straw last Sunday morning and I was heading in the right direction again.
“The great thing was the Amman got the job done, winning 29-3.
“I was called off the bench early on after my brother-in-law took a bang to the head.
“I missed the ball by about five yards in my first few seconds on the pitch, but after that I settled down.
“The boys were excellent throughout, playing some really good rugby.
“The final will be a fresh challenge — but it’s one the players will want to enjoy.
“Big occasions don’t come around often and you want to make the most of them.”