'I always thought I would go out on my own terms': Liam Williams forced to retire

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back Liam Williams has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby due to a knee injury.

The 34-year-old had retired from international rugby in January, but in the midst of a season blighted by injury, he has called time on his career altogether.

Williams joined Newcastle Red Bulls at the beginning of the season after a brief second stint with Saracens, but his game time has been limited this season due to injury.

He will bow out of the game with 93 Wales caps to his name, as well as five for the Lions, and a trophy cabinet which contains multiple Gallagher PREM titles, multiple Six Nations titles and an Investec Champions Cup triumph with Saracens in 2019.

In a video posted on social media, Williams said that he “always thought I would go out on my own terms,” but “having knee trouble for the past few years has taken its toll.”

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In a statement on the Newcastle website, Williams said: “I’ve loved my time as a professional rugby player, during which time I’ve made so many great friends and enjoyed incredible memories.

“Unfortunately, injuries have meant I have not been able to contribute on the field as much as I would have liked during my time in Newcastle, but I would like to thank the club and our supporters for making my family and I feel so welcome during our time in the North East.

“It’s a great club with a really exciting future, and despite my own playing opportunities being limited due to injury I hope I have been able to contribute positively behind the scenes towards the continued growth of the squad.”

Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy added: “Liam will rightly be regarded as one of the best players of his generation.

“He has been a consistent winner at club and international level for more than a decade, and despite injuries limiting his playing opportunities during his time in Newcastle he has been a model professional in supporting and developing the players around him.

“He has been part of the first wave of Newcastle Red Bulls players, who will always be welcome here, and will hopefully remain strong ambassadors for our club and its ambitions.

“I have got no doubt that he still has a lot to offer the game, should he wish to remain in rugby, but first and foremost we just want to congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish him and his family all the best for whatever lies ahead.”