Reports are circulating that Wales fullback Liam Williams is set to leave Cardiff, in favour of a move to Japan after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The move will see Williams leave Wales mid-way through his club contract at Cardiff Arms Park. The 32-year-old signed a two-year deal last year, after arriving in the Welsh capital from URC rivals Scarlets.
The British & Irish Lion has made 84 caps for Wales, allowing him to continue his international career despite being based overseas. If Williams completes the move, he will become the eighth Welsh international to leave a Wales regional side ahead of next season.
The other leavers include: Joe Hawkins (Exeter), Cory Hill (Japan), Rhys Webb (Biarritz), Tom Francis (Provence), Ross Moriarty (Brive), Will Rowlands (Racing 92) and Dillon Lewis (Harlequins).
It is understood that Cardiff have little choice other than to let Williams go. The fullback is one of the club’s highest earners, and Cardiff are set to face a £2 million budget cut next season. The Japanese club after Williams’ signature remains unconfirmed, but it has been reported that the move will be subject to a ‘strict medical examination’, due to Williams’ injury history.
Williams is expected to play a pivotal role in Warren Gatland’s side, throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Wales have been drawn into Pool C, and take on Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal.