Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nThe 35-year-old, who retired from international rugby in January before ending his club career in March, cited a long-standing knee problem as a major reason behind his decision to step away from the game.<\/p>\n
Across a distinguished career, Williams earned 93 caps for Wales, scoring 21 tries and helping his country lift two Six Nations titles, including the 2019 Grand Slam. He also featured on two British and Irish Lions tours, playing five Tests across the 2017 trip to New Zealand and the 2021 series in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Known to fans as \u2018Sanjay\u2019, Williams\u2019 route to the top was far from conventional. He balanced amateur rugby with work as a scaffolder at the Port Talbot steelworks before beginning his professional career with Scarlets.<\/p>\n
He represented the Welsh region across two spells and also played for Saracens, Cardiff, Japanese club Kubota Spears and Newcastle Red Bulls before bringing his playing days to an end.<\/p>\n
Since retiring, Williams has undergone a high tibial osteotomy (HTO), a procedure that realigns the knee to move weight away from the damaged section of the joint and help postpone the need for a full knee replacement.<\/p>\n
The operation is often used to treat people with bow legs, where the knees remain apart when standing with the feet together. Williams had lived with the condition throughout his playing career.<\/p>\n
Back in 2017, he revealed that surgery had been suggested, but he chose not to go ahead because of the potential impact it could have on his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been getting stick about my bow legs,\u201d he said in 2017 according to Wales Online<\/a>. \u201cI had them looked at and they said they\u2019d need to snap them to put them straight but I might never play again. I said, \u2018No thanks!’\u201d<\/p>\nNow that his playing career is over, Williams has finally undergone the procedure on his right leg at the private Fortius Clinic in London.<\/p>\n
He shared the experience with supporters on social media, posting footage of himself in a hospital gown before later showing himself hopping on one leg after the operation.<\/p>\n
The videos also showed him leaving the clinic on crutches with his right leg heavily bandaged. He confirmed that his operation was around five weeks ago and that recovery is going well in the comment section of the video.<\/p>\n
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players<\/p>\n
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don\u2019t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n
Ready to test your knowledge? Let\u2019s see if you\u2019ve still got it. Good luck!<\/p>\n
More Quizzes:<\/p>\n
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