The 22-year-old centre started his first game of any sort since the final Dove Men Series Test against Australia when he featured for Cardiff Blues in their LV= Cup clash with Bath on Saturday afternoon.
Williams was in the first XV for Wales’ last two autumn Tests, as well as both games on the summer tour of Japan, but he was out of action for eight weeks prior to a promising return at The Rec.
He missed out on a chance to press for a spot in Wales’ RBS 6 Nations squad as a result, although head coach Warren Gatland could make additions to the party during the Championship.
But while Williams admits it has been tough to go from the major high of scoring a stunning solo try against Tonga and winning cap number four against the Wallabies to time on the treatment table, he insists his focus is now solely on shining for the Blues over the coming weeks.
“It was great to be back. It’s been a frustrating couple of months for me over the Christmas and New Year period so it was great to get out on the pitch again,” said Williams.
“I thought I went alright, although I was cramping up towards the end and looking at the coaches! My legs had gone but it was great to have the jersey back on.
“It’s been a frustrating time, to be honest. After the autumn I was looking forward to getting back and playing some rugby in the Heineken Cup games for the Blues and pushing on. It has been a setback, but I have got to dust myself off and work hard during this period with some big games coming up in the PRO12.
“People will ask about Wales and getting in for the Six Nations, but I am just focussed on the Blues and getting some games under my belt. This is just the first one and I need to get my form back. I need to help Blues climb the table and anything else is a bonus.”
Williams showed his class by sidestepping Bath’s Matt Banahan on a sixpence midway through the first period in the West Country and he was one of the Blues’ most dangerous weapons during the 24-13 defeat to the inform English outfit.
He was ultimately disappointed to finish on the losing team, though, and now he is looking for the young Blues side to turn promise into points against Harlequins at the Arms Park on Friday night.
“It’s a shame about the result but now we need to move on to next week against Quins and respond at home,” added Williams.
“We had a few guys getting debuts and a few staking a claim for more rugby. It was a big opportunity for the youngsters to show what they could do and they went well against a powerful Bath team.
“We want to finish strongly and you always want to win your home games. There is nothing better than a Friday night game at the Arms Park. Let’s hope we get a big crowd and a win.”
