The 19-year-old has been outstanding throughout the month, scoring six tries in five games and helping the Drovers to the top of the Premiership table.
Williams, whose dad Alan played scrum half for Swansea and the Barbarians, already has a development contract with the Scarlets and has really turned heads since the start of this season. Williams played all his junior and youth rugby for Ammanford until being snapped up by the Scarlets Academy.
Llandovery head coach Lydon Lewis paid tribute to his young No 9, stating: “Rhodri has been one of the outstanding performers of this season so far. His attributes include great speed of thought, fantastic attitude, electric pace, excellent decision making and a superb service. He’s played exceptionally well and has responded brilliantly to the style of rugby we want to play.”
Llandovery are currently at the top of the Premiership after big away wins over Premiership giants Neath and Cardiff and home defeats of Bridgend, Swansea and Newport and Lewis says his players have lofty ambitions.
“Last season we set a target of finishing in the top half of the league and we finished fourth so the players have raised the bar this year and are aiming to win the Premiership,” he added. “It will be a difficult task but we have a lot of belief in ourselves. We are reaping the benefits of investing in youth over the past few years but things are set to get tougher if the bad weather sets in!
Williams himself is thriving on the open game adopted by Llandovery this season. “We have been given a licence to attack from anywhere which suits me and it’s producing tries all round. I’m enjoying my rugby there at the moment,” he said. “There’s a good bunch of boys and we are doing well. However, it’s not going to be easy to stay top of the table, everyone wants to knock you off but we will work hard to try to maintain our position.”
Williams says his run of form is also down to a good pre-season and is hoping to go from strength to strength this season.
“I worked hard on my physicality and fitness over the summer, I think that’s paying off. My aim now is to carry on doing well for Llandovery and hopefully I will get an opportunity to show what I can do at Regional level. I’m also hoping to get into the Wales Under 20 squad for the Six Nations, it’s always great to represent your country and playing for Wales Under 20 would be a new challenge.”
Lyndon Lewis added, “Richard Cleverley, Principality Branch Manager at Llandeilo, added: “Our congratulations go to Rhodri Williams, who is a worthy winner of the prestigious player of the month award.
“While it is early days, Rhodri has made a fantastic start to the season and we look forward to seeing him continue to apply the pressure to power Llandovery forward as the season unfolds.”
Rhodri Williams factfile:
Born: 5.5.93, Swansea
Position: Scrum half
Club: Llandovery
Most admired player: Will Genia
Biggest influences: My dad’s achievements inspire me to reach my potential
Education: Ammanford Primary, Amman Valley Comprehensive
