Liam Williams risks his Wales place to sign for Saracens
Liam Williams, one of the most dangerous runners in Test rugby, is expected to sign a two-year deal to replace Toulon-bound Chris Ashton at Saracens next season.
The signing, which the Premiership and European champions should confirm in January, could have serious implications for Williams’ Test career.
Wales have a policy that allows only three players who play outside the country to be chosen, rising to four next year. The present wildcard selections in Wales’ autumn Test squad are Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts, Northampton wing George North and Bath No8 Taulupe Faletau.
Neil Jenkins, one of the Wales coaches, made it clear last night that the rule will not be changed even if Williams and other players head over the border for bigger salaries in the Premiership.
Jenkins said: “We have said we want to keep our best players in Wales, and Liam is certainly one of those. We would love to keep him in Wales. We have said from day one that we want our best players playing in Wales. Leigh (Halfpenny) comes into that category and so does Liam.”
Halfpenny, the likely Lions full-back, could also find himself on the list of players needing a wildcard if he signs a new contract with his current club Toulon, rather than return to Wales. He is not considered a wildcard selection at present because he signed for Toulon in 2014, before the selection rule was introduced.
Williams, currently with the Scarlets, has won 37 caps despite a number of injury issues and will be a leading candidate for the Lions tour as he can play wing or full back.
He will be seen primarily as a wing at Sarries where fellow internationals Chris Wyles (USA) and Scotland’s Sean Maitland are the current first choices with Ashton still serving a ban for biting an opponent.Williams will also cover for full back Alex Goode.
