The Hirwaun based youngster, who only just turned eighteen in January, has certainly proved the value of the old sporting adage, “if you’re good enough – you’re old enough” in his performances for Pontypridd in the Principality Premiership this season.
Very much a youth playing in a man’s world, Williams has made the grade with the Ponty senior team, putting in some sterling performances in the tight and in the loose, and is highly rated for his accurate throwing in at the line-out.
Having previously been capped at U16 level with Wales, Williams is now in his second year with the U18s and feels justifiably proud of his nomination as captain of the national team.
“It was a great honour for me to captain Wales against England” said Williams, “and I hope I can hold on to that duty for the remainder of the season.”
Having turned out regularly for Pontypridd, and selected also for the Blues U18 and U20 teams, the hooker appreciates that such experience gained has stood him in good stead.
“It has definitely helped my development to have played in the Premiership with Ponty,” said Williams. “It has been a huge step up for me, both physically and mentally, and when you’ve played to that standard, there is no fear going back to play at U18 level with Wales. You tend to take a different view of the game after playing in the Premiership – it’s a case of stepping out of childhood into the adult world, and you can only benefit from that.”
Williams is keen to pay tribute to his coaches, Gareth Nicholas with the Blues Age Grade squads, and Dale McIntosh at Pontypridd. “The standard of coaching, and the advice given by the coaches with the Blues and at Pontypridd have been excellent. Dale is a great mentor, he is always there to give guidance with Ponty, and when things have gone wrong, to give good advice and to help me along,” concluded Williams.
Wales U18 will play their Scottish counterparts at Ebbw Vale on Sunday March 16th, and will travel to Cork over Easter to take part in the 2008 Six Nations Festival.
