#3. Liam Williams (Wales)
The Wales fullback has revealed that he will not be able to play in the 2024 Six Nations, following his recent move to Japan. Williams signed for Kubota Spears, and admitted that the current fiancial position of Welsh rugby influenced his decision.
“I haven’t really spoken to Gats about that [his international future] to be honest,” Williams told the BBC. “I spoke to him about leaving and going to Japan and he was OK with that. I won’t be able to play in the Six Nations next year, though.
“Some boys in this training camp still don’t have contracts. It’s a joke and probably one of the reasons I have left. A hundred caps does not pay the mortgage. I am 32 now and have two or three years left, and you need to maximise your earnings in this profession because it is a short career. So I am very grateful to be in the position I am when I know some of the guys are working so hard but don’t have jobs currently.”
The WRU contract saga reached a fever-pitch during the 2023 Six Nations, with speculation high that Wales would forfeit their match against England as a protest. Williams’ move to Japan is an understandable one, as numerous rugby players in Wales are left without contracts and uncertain futures.
Williams was one of Cardiff’s highest paid stars, and the club had little choice but to offload the 32-year-old as they face a reported £2million budget cut ahead of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship season.