British Lions and Wales flanker Williams hung up his Test playing boots after last year’s World Cup in France. But England legend Leonard reckons it’s a stroke of genius by Wales coach Gatland to coax Williams back into the national set-up to win his 77th cap in the Six Nations opener at Twickenham tomorrow (Sat).
Leonard said: “For Warren and Wales to get Martyn Williams to come out of retirement and play is fantastic. “I still thought he had a few years left in him but he probably thought it was a great time to retire after the World Cup.
“But I’m sure when Martyn saw Warren, Rob Howley and Shaun Edwards coming in, he thought ‘I’ve done it too quick’. It will be interesting to see what Warren can achieve with Wales but the players speak highly of him and he’s got a proven track record.”
Leonard: Williams return a boost for Wales
Jason Leonard has saluted Warren Gatland’s powers of persuasion to talk Martyn Williams out of retirement.
