Liam Williams retires with immediate effect

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 16:18

bySteven Smith

Newcastle Red Bulls full-back Liam Williams has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

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The Welsh great brings the curtain down on a glittering career that saw him win 93 caps for Wales, including a Six Nations Grand Slam, while also touring twice with the British and Irish Lions — earning five Test caps.

Now 34, Williams enjoyed huge success at club level, winning the Gallagher Premiership and Champions Cup with Saracens, as well as lifting the URC title with the Scarlets.

He also had spells with Cardiff and Japanese side Kubota Spears before joining Newcastle last summer, where injuries restricted him to just three appearances.

Speaking after confirming his retirement, Williams said:

“I’ve loved my time as a professional rugby player, during which time I’ve made so many great friends and enjoyed incredible memories.

“Unfortunately injuries have meant I have not been able to contribute on the field as much as I would have liked during my time in Newcastle, but I would like to thank the club and our supporters for making my family and I feel so welcome during our time in the North East.

“It’s a great club with a really exciting future, and despite my own playing opportunities being limited due to injury I hope I have been able to contribute positively behind the scenes towards the continued growth of the squad.”

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy paid tribute, adding:

“I have got no doubt that he still has a lot to offer the game, should he wish to remain in rugby, but first and foremost we just want to congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish him and his family all the best for whatever lies ahead.”

“Liam will rightly be regarded as one of the best players of his generation.

“He has been a consistent winner at club and international level for more than a decade, and despite injuries limiting his playing opportunities during his time in Newcastle he has been a model professional in supporting and developing the players around him.

“He has been part of the first wave of Newcastle Red Bulls players, who will always be welcome here, and will hopefully remain strong ambassadors for our club and its ambitions.