Shane Williams confirms his departure from Wales – Rugby news
Shane Williams gave some eye opening statements today by admitting that he won’t be staying forever. On the contrary, he also stated that he is not completely ruling himself out of the RBS Six Nations for 2012.
He released these statements today while talking to the media in the aftermath of his knee injury that has cost him absence in Wales clash against France this Saturday. Williams expected international retirement is after the World Cup this year, but Warren
Gatland insists that Williams should stay for more rugby and next Six Nations. Meanwhile, Williams wants to be realistic about his future in Wales, considering his family and priorities.
Williams has been a major part of British and Irish Lions and has earned up to 79 caps for Wales and scored 53 memorable tries. He has made it clear prior to Six Nations that he will be leaving the international arena after the RWC 2011 in New Zealand.
The next game against France was supposed to be his last game for Six Nations, but Williams got injured and will be missing the important clash. While dodging Luke Fitzgerald, He damaged his left knee’s posterior cruciate ligament during the 22nd minute
of the match in Cardiff.
Rob Howley, the attack coach affirmed that the Wesh management will be talking to the player to stay for a longer period. He admitted that everyone believes in his capabilities and skills and the double Grand Slam winner should give more time to the Welsh
team. He said, “His ability to turn defenders inside out and make something out of nothing, are priceless assets.”
On the other hand, Williams believes that the other players deserve a chance to represent their national team. He named players like Morgan Stoddart, George North and Leigh Halfpenny should get more exposure now, so they all ready for the next World Cup
and the coming Six Nations.
He said, “I know there are boys George, Stodds and the Halfpenny pushing for my place, I just feel at 35 there will be better players then me out there. That's the realistic thing.”
He added, “The reason I said it international retirement is I want to be realistic and I can't go on forever and want to make sure the boys in my position ready to play for Wales and I want Wales to do well, whether that is with me or without me then we'll
have to wait and see.”
He affirmed though, that he hasn’t signed any contract with anyone as yet and he wants to act sensible regarding his future and family. His Ospreys contract is also expiring in summers and is rumored to be moving to France for further rugby in French clubs.
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