"Plethora of Experience" - Newcastle Red Bulls to unleash new signing Liam Williams against Exeter

Diamond praised his new signing: “What Liam Williams brings to the club is a plethora of experience that will rub off on our younger players and we’ll look after players like him and [Amanaki] Mafi.

“They’re lads who have seen it, been there and done it, and I’ll be wheeling them out when I feel it’s the right time, and this time: going to Exeter is the right time.

“We need as much experience and knowledge to the team as we can, and help George [McGuigan] and the other senior players glue it together.”

Diamond continued: “[Liam Williams' brought] his level of detail, his skillset, training, his professionalism around the building. He’s quiet, he listens, he contributes with the coaches, he contributes with the senior players and the young players.

“I said last week, when he agreed to come, that he’d asked specifically could he do some coaching within the academy, so he’s a real giver. He’s one of these people who’s done incredibly well in rugby and wants to give something back. It’s good to have people of his experience, who know their own backside, they’re willing to give.”

Williams, who has 91 caps for Wales, claimed he’s “still got some more in the tank” after his exit in May. However, Steve Diamond revealed that their initial meeting was unplanned.

“It was a chance meeting. I was [in Majorca] with my daughter, he was there with his missus. It sounds romantic, but our eyes locked across the pool. We had a small cold beer each and asked him how he was getting on, and maybe our paths will cross.

We did some analysis and some numbers on players who were available, who hadn’t got clubs for one reason or another, and these numbers stacked up. We knew he was a good lad, so it was a no brainer.”

The Red Bulls go to Sandy Park on Saturday, having suffered an opening round defeat to Saracens, whilst Exeter Chiefs ended up drawing in a thrilling come back away at Northampton Saints.