The release of “The Shane Williams Story” coincides with the moment Williams received world-wide recognition from his rugby peers and at the culmination of his testimonial season – which climaxes with an auction and star-studded invitation evening at the Liberty Stadium tomorrow (Tuesday) night.
Contributions from an array of legendary Welsh figures including Gerald Davies, Gareth Thomas, Max Boyce and Joe Calzaghe join the likes of Brian Habana and Wales coach Warren Gatland in paying tribute to the twinkle-toed rugby superstar, amongst unrivalled footage of Williams in action.
The leading Test try scorer in Welsh history has proved he is still at the peak of his powers and, with a meeting against Australia in the Invesco Perpetual Series at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday, the story goes on.
But for now rugby fans who want to know more about Williams and his magic dancing feet – or who simply want to revel in the glory of some of the greatest tries the world of rugby has ever seen – Shane’s story is a must watch DVD.
“Shane has generated great excitement on the rugby pitch throughout his career, igniting the crowd with the eager thrill of anticipation whenever the ball is in his hands!” said WRU Group Head of Marketing Gwyn Dolphin.
“He is the IRB World Player of the Year, the 2008 Six-Nations’ player of the tournament and top try-scorer as well as being the top try scorer in Welsh history.
“He was vital to Wales Grand-Slam-winning campaigns not just in 2008 but also in 2005 and he now stands proud at the summit of his profession.
“Blessed with lightning pace and unbridled natural ability, Shane’s precocious gifts are the envy and undoing of opponents the world over, but his hasn’t always been a journey of acceptance.
“The diminutive winger was once said ‘too small’ for competitive international rugby and told that he would never contend seriously for top-class honours.
“This DVD is the detailed account of how Shane proved his critics so misguided. From the early days of grass roots rugby in the Amman Valley and the encouragement of family and loyal friends, to his introduction to premier club play with Neath and his bewildering emergence into the world spotlight, this is Shane’s amazing story – in his own words.
“With his background, development and, undoubtedly, his most mercurial performances all captured in this uniquely personal tribute, officially endorsed by the Welsh Rugby Union, this tale is definitively Shane’s World!”
‘The Shane Williams Story’ was released in shops today, Monday 24th November and is also available online via www.wru.couk at the RRP of £12.99 as the perfect Christmas gift.
“The accolades just seem to keep coming at the moment and the whole thing is really humbling for me,” added Shane.
“My career has been quite a journey and all of the highs and lows are captured on this DVD and I’ve really enjoyed reliving the memories myself.
“I hope people enjoy it and I hope they’ve enjoyed watching me play, but I’ve not finished yet and I’m going to continue to work hard, there are always things you would like to improve on in your game and I genuinely think I can still get better.”
