Williams to hang boots

Williams to hang boots

31 Oct 2011

Shane Williams will retire from international rugby after Wales’ Test against the Wallabies on 3 December.

There were reports suggesting the 34-year-old would retire after Wales’ fourth-place run at the recent World Cup in New Zealand, but the speedster has decided that he wants to play his last Test in front of a home crowd.

‘I’ve decided I am going to make myself available for this game. If selected, I want to play,’ said Williams. ‘If I am picked I will treat it in the same way I have always treated Wales games, but it will be a sad day for me. In fact, I’ll be devastated. But to bow out in front of Welsh fans and my family and friends would be like a dream.’

The fixture against the Wallabies will be Williams’ 87th Test. The winger is Wales’ all-time top try scorer with 57, while he has scored the most World Cup tries as a Welsh player with 10. He also became the first Welshman to be named IRB Player of the Year in 2008.

Williams will continue playing for his club Ospreys next season.


11 Comments

  • 1.Tiptackle: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 08:52 am

    Tired Dragon !!

  • 2.grant10: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 08:54 am

    awesome talent…..i will miss him

  • 3.Brads: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 08:59 am

    This match went under the radar a bit didn’t it.

    There were no end of year tours this year until out of the blue Aus are set to play the Baabaas and then Wales.

  • 4.au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir...: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 09:10 am

    yeah it was a good wicket and well done.
    always tricky to exit with your tail up and not with the crowds wishing you gone.

  • 5.Lions_Soutie: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 09:28 am

    And yet grandpa BOD carries on!

    This makes rugby union the game for everyone. A small man like Williams went far despite his small size. Enjoy retirement, sorry you never beat the Boks ;) ..

  • 6.Rhys7: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 10:10 am

    @Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-5:

    Im quite sure Williams played against the boks in the match which wales won at the new millenium stadium… also he won in the british lions 3rd test ;)

  • 7.Lions_Soutie: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 10:46 am

    @Rhys7(Rhys7)-6: Ah, I forgot about the Lions test.

    I can’t remember him playing in 1999. I think I can remember the other Thomas scoring in that match

  • 8.The Chokerman - formerly cane: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 10:58 am

    @Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-7:

    Your memory serves you well Lion King.

    This particular Shane, did not play on that auspicious occasion.

  • 9.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 13:31 pm

    simplyy one the mostt evasivee runnerss I havee seen playy

  • 10.bryce_in_oz: Reply to this comment
    31 Oct 2011, 13:58 pm

    Seemingly he hasn’t lost much of his speed either @ 34…

  • 11.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    1 Nov 2011, 21:45 pm

    Great player, literally untouchable at his best.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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