The young Ospreys centre’s Pythonesque ability to always look on the bright side of life goes a long way towards explaining his knack of overcoming the litany of injuries that have frustrated his fledgling career. His sunny outlook was bolstered by the support of the Ospreys medical staff who he says “were very good with me, very honest with where I was and what needed doing to get me back on track”.
Having signed professional terms with the Ospreys in 2019, the 23-year-old from Glynneath describes the “torrid time” he experienced with physical setbacks after a successful spell with Wales U20. “Last year looked set to become a bit of a breakthrough for me, but when Covid came along I thought it was god’s way of saying it was never going to happen,” he says wryly.
“I felt like I was coming into my own at that point, but this season I’ve definitely come along in leaps and bounds. Hopefully my injury woes are behind me, but they’re part of the game so all I can do is keep myself in tip-top condition.”
Williams has been an Osprey since the age of 16 – going full-time with the region after leaving Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera in year 11 – and in that time earnt his spurs at the Gnoll with Neath. His positive mindset chimes with that of new Ospreys head coach Toby Booth, who has a track record of bringing through young talent from his days at London Irish and Bath.
“Boothy’s a great guy who like to give boys opportunities, which he’s shown this season,” says Williams. “He has a certain way he wants to play, and that’s starting to show now. We have a lot to work on and he’s reiterating every week the need for us to get better.
“He brings leadership too: we all know who’s in charge. It seems like a new era and hopefully he’s the man to take Ospreys forward. I can’t wait to see what next couple of years hold.”
In Williams’s openness about the ways in which he can improve his game, you sense that he’s a coach’s dream. “I’m not where I need to be yet,” he says, citing the pleasure he derives from working with experienced internationals like Scott Williams and Owen Watkin in midfield. “It’s nice to learn from the boys who’ve been in the Wales camp, as well as someone like [attack coack] Brock James who’s come in after an impressive career with Clermont Auvergne.”
The new year may not have been as bright as we would all have hoped, but in rugby terms, Ospreys had a successful start as they beat Cardiff Blues 17-3 away at Rodney Parade. “Our set piece won us the game against Cardiff Blues, which has been the case in a couple of other games too – and that’s what Boothy’s brought,” Williams remarks. “Us backs need to complement the pack: they’re working hard and we need to do the same.”
This weekend they’ll take on the Dragons, who themselves have been known to rise to the occasion on derby day. Williams is more than aware of the dangers posed by Dean Ryan’s men. “We’ll be looking for a bit of revenge after they beat us last year. It’s always a great fixture to play in. The adrenaline kicks in and hopefully we can raise our game from last week.”
Dragons v Ospreys: Saturday 9th January, 17:15, live on Premier Sports.
