Newcastle Red Bulls boss Steve Diamond has confirmed that Wales and Lions star Liam Williams will make his debut for the club when they visit Exeter Chiefs this weekend.
Williams, 34, only joined the club last week, too late to be considered for their PREM Rugby opener against his former club, Saracens, but Diamond says that he will need his experience when they visit Sandy Park.
He says Williams and Amanaki Mafi, who are approaching the veteran stages of their careers, will have their game time well-managed throughout the season, but they will be brought in at the right time.
“Liam Williams brings a plethora of experience that will rub off on our younger players. We will look after players like him and Mafi. The lads who have been there, seen it, and done it,” said Diamond.
“I’ll be wheeling them out when I feel it’s the right time, and going to Exeter is the right time. We need as much experience and knowledge in the team as we can to help George and the other senior players clue it together.”
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The long trip to the West Country will also see Diamond and his squad enjoy the benefits of the recent takeover by the Austrian energy drinks giants. A return flight to the North East.
“In the past, they would have flown down to Exeter and then taken an eight-hour coach trip home, but now, with an eye on extra recovery time, they are flying back.
“We normally fly to Exeter if I am honest, and then get the bus back. Fortunately, we have got a flight back this time. It’s the most natural thing to do. All of the other clubs would do if they were geographically where we are.
“We have got a short six-day turnaround to Sale, and 6’6, 130 kg men on buses for eight hours isn’t conducive to sports rehab. There are certain fixtures in the South West that are difficult to get to.
“So we will look at chartering a plane. Getting the players out of Exeter at 7 pm and back in Newcastle at 8 pm is better than getting back into Newcastle at 3am in the morning,” added Diamond.