Pivac in talks to bring ace Williams home

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WAYNE Pivac has had talks with Liam Williams about returning to Wales from English crisis club Saracens.

The full-back’s contract with the Heineken Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership winners is up at the end of the season.

Saracens are facing a battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership after being docked 35 points and fined over £5 million for breaches of the competition’s salary cap regulations.

Sixty-two times capped Williams, it has been reported, has visited his former region Scarlets while his signature is allegedly being pursued by former European champions Toulon and other major clubs.

New Wales coach Pivac revealed: “I met with Liam pre-World Cup and there have been discussions.

“Liam will make his decision no doubt very shortly and it’s one that, from a selfish Welsh point of view. I’d love to see him back here in Wales.

“That’s a decision ultimately he will make, given that he can play both inside and outside the country with the number of Test matches he’s played.”

The Kiwi also disclosed Alun Wyn Jones, who misses Pivac’s debut Wales match as coach against the Barbarians through a groin injury, will remain captain.

“I’ve had several conversations with Alun Wyn and he’s a big part of our plans going forward at this stage hence why he was recontracted,” he added.

Meanwhile Pivac revealed he telephoned centre Scott Williams to explain his omission from the squad and the inclusion of Welsh-qualified New Zealander Willis Halaholo for the uncapped clash with the Barbarians.

“As I mentioned to Scott I know a lot about him. I coached him for four years and he’s been a very, very good player for me in the past.

“Willis, we don’t know as much about in the northern hemisphere. From what I’ve seen in the games he’s played against the Scarlets sides I’ve coached he can beat a guy in a phone box.”

■ More on Pivac’s choice: Pages 52&53