The 93-cap Wales legend has been passing on his wisdom this week in a coaching role
16:31, 14 Apr 2026Updated 16:33, 14 Apr 2026
Liam Williams helping out Scarlets youngster Callum Woolley ahead of their match with Cardiff(Image: Ian Williams (Riley Sports))
Wales legend Liam Williams has been helping out at the Scarlets this week, having taken a promising 20-year-old under his wing.
The 93-cap full-back called time on his career last month, citing an ongoing knee injury as a factor behind his decision. Having finished up at Newcastle Red Bulls, the 35-year-old is now back where his professional career started, gaining some experience in Llanelli.
Williams has been working with the Scarlets this week ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash with Cardiff as he decides what to do after finishing playing.
One young prospect in particular has benefitted from his presence this week.
Academy product Callum Woolley is in line to make his senior debut for the club in the coming weeks, having received some pearls of wisdom from Williams.
“We’ve got some really exciting talent,” said interim director of rugby Nigel Davies. “Callum Woolley is a young boy that is not far from starting for us.
“He was close to starting this week. So in the next three games, he’ll definitely get a start.
“What we’ve done with him as well, we’re trying to accelerate his development. Liam Williams has been in with us this week.
“Liam asked if he could come in and I thought it was an ideal opportunity, as he wants to get some experience in the coaching environment, to link him to Callum.
“He’s been working a bit with Callum and some of that work on him has worked really well this week. I’m really delighted with how that’s gone.
“He’s somebody we’ll probably see in the next two or three games. He’s six foot four and he’s one of the quickest in Wales. He really is excellent. So what’s not to like?”
Woolley has been in fine try-scoring form for Carmarthen Quins this season, while he’s also turned out for Llangennech in the Premiership.
The 20-year-old, who hails from Cardigan, comes from an athletics background.
He was called up by GB 7s earlier this season, despite not having played the seven-a-side code before. But he impressed on his debut, scoring tries against Australia and Argentina in the Singapore series.
He also featured in the following weekend’s series in Perth.
As for Williams, a future in coaching could seemingly beckon.
“I’ve been impressed with Liam,” added Davies. “He’s popped in and one of the things I’ve mentioned is it would be a great opportunity for you to work with one of our younger players.
“I remember Liam as a 17-year-old long-haired hippie when he came in, a scrawny little lad, and he benefitted from the experience around him. He’s been great with him. It’s been great for both of them.”
Williams will be present at Saturday’s match with Cardiff as the Scarlets plan to celebrate his illustrious career.
The two-time Lions tourist enjoyed two stints with the Scarlets as a player, having broken through there after progressing from playing amateur rugby while working as a scaffolder in the Port Talbot steelworks.
Spells with Saracens, Cardiff and Japanese side Kubota Spears followed for the two-time Six Nations winner.
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.