Reproduced by the kind permission of Planet Rugby [FN1].
The world of rugby was literally rocked to its foundations [FN2] yesterday when news broke of the shock retirement from competitive rugby of Owen Williams.
Williams had performed at the highest [FN3] level for 25 seasons playing both codes, the last 10 of them in Bristol, and many rugby experts are confounded that he never achieved international recognition [FN4].
Williams began his career at scrum-half for his house before transferring from union to league whilst at University switching to hooker in the process but keeping his interest in union and captaining his College (Alcuin) throughout his time at York.
His captaincy inspired Alcuin to new heights of achievement and they broke Wentworth’s traditional hegemony over College rugby and won the Grand Slam 4 times out of 6.
His talents were not going unnoticed and he was invited to an international trial (league). Sadly due to injury he was unable to attend [FN5]. He broke his leg in the final year at university but fought his way back to full fitness.
After university he finally chose to concentrate on union, to the eternal detriment of league – some say his decision marked the start of league’s decline relative to union in this country [FN6].
Two successful seasons playing in York followed before he decided to head down South to pursue his rugby fortune in Bristol.
The last 10 years saw him plying his trade at hooker and prop as one of the stalwarts of Bristol rugby until he suffered a career threatening shoulder injury earlier this season. Unfortunately despite his best efforts he has not been able to recover and the debilitating effect of the injury has forced him to hang up his boots to the great relief of opponents across the land.
And so the sun sets on the career of yet another great stalwart of the game. When asked to comment Ieuan Evans said “Owen was one of the greatest players of the game not to be capped by Wales. Considering some of the right numptys that have pulled on the Welsh shirt over the last few years it is a travesty.” [FN7]
FN1 Not necessarily true.
FN2 ditto
FN3 ditto
FN4 ditto
FN5 ditto – he got pissed instead of going
FN6 well he would
FN7 It actually sounded more like “Who?”
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3 comments:
I am extremely disappointed with the news of Mr Williams' retirement. Had it not been for his injuries, a deceptive lack of pace, a few hundred better players in the pecking order and poor basic skills, Owen Williams would undoubtedly have become a Welsh, and maybe even, Lions legend. His natural athleticism and ball playing abilities made it a wonder he does not retire on the back of 100 caps.
Gareth Jenkins
(did not actually write this column)
Thank God he has retired. Now I can start playing without the fear of further pain.
Steve Thompson
Ha ha ha
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