'I can see him making it at the top level. He's got the world at his feet' - Nick Kennedy on Scarlets target Johnny Williams
When Hadleigh Parkes and Owen Williams were confirmed as heading for Japanese Top League, there was a collective sigh in Wales, followed by hands to the head and a phrase rhyming with ‘clucking bell’.
With Jonathan Davies’ long-term injury yet to see a firm return date inked-in, a 12-13 combination that had so long looked like a position of strength was looking threadbare.
The emergence of Nick Tompkins in the Six Nations helped, and months later, the crisis in midfield is appearing to subside as Wales regenerates.
One statutesque long-term Polyfilla could come in the shape of Newcastle Falcons centre Johnny Williams. The strapping 6ft 3in, 16st 4lb centre is heavily rumoured with a move to the Scarlets and despite no red smoke emanating from Parc y Scarlets yet, if it transpires he will be backed to fill a Parkes-sized hole in midfield.
Williams’ Welsh links – he has a father from North Wales – are well documented and he is not yet captured by the Red Rose despite playing for the England Saxons against the Barbarians last year as it was non-cap game. As an early developer he has plenty of experience, making his Premiership debut at 18 with London Irish in the 2015-16 season. It bears reminding that he is still only 23.
One man who knows him better than most is Nick Kennedy, the former director of rugby at London Irish and now head of recruitment at Saracens. The former England lock had talent ID’d the big centre having progressed through the school’s and Academy system.
“I signed Johnny straight from school where London Irish had a link up with his St Paul’s Catholic College in the area. He was a star for them and I remember he’d played a little bit at full-back and fly-half. He was our second ever signing when we took over at the Academy and to me it was a complete no brainer. He was massive, had this big fend and an excellent offloading game.”
After three seasons with London Irish, Williams spent last season with Newcastle, impressing in the Championship but despite his obvious physical gifts, Kennedy believes there is much more to his game than simply a crash-ball 12. “I guess with Irish in the Premiership and with Newcastle in the Championship, people used him as big ball-carrying centre to give side’s gainline but that’s to undersell him. He’s got these incredible soft hands and he can kick the ball miles.”
Saracens’ head of recruitment said he has also been impressed with Williams’ mental fortitude after overcoming cancer at such a tender age. “Johnny had a battle with testicular cancer and took it head on. I spoke to him throughout his treatment and he was very methodical, did his research and came out the other side playing for Newcastle by the New Year, five months after being diagnosed. He’s a very determined, very competitive individual and knows what he wants. He’ll have his eye on a starting spot wherever he’s playing. I can see him making it at the top level. He’s already played well for the Saxons against the BaaBaas and I think if he can stay free of injury he’s got the world at his feet.”
Kennedy knows if the move transpires, Welsh fans will be quick to liken him to the likes of 97-cap British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts and Kennedy believes he could be a hybrid of some of Wales’ best midfielders in recent years. “In a way, he’s a cross between Jamie and Hadleigh (Parkes) but conversely he has a unique skillset. He’s very broad and has those long levers. For Irish, he never took a backward step. I guess he was used as a bit of a battering ram but he did a very good job. He had a few injuries but perhaps that was because he was asked to do too much too young.”
'This is where I began my career, where I came through the ranks and I have a huge amount of friends at the club.'https://t.co/YktFKBhvk8
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 25, 2020
After being born in the West Country, if he does find a home in West Wales, Kennedy says on ability alone, Williams should excite Welsh fans. “Johnny’s dad is big rugby fan and in my opinion he definitely has the potential to play for Wales. Obviously with Glenn Delaney head coach at the Scarlets now and his former backs coach at London Irish Richard Whiffin down there too he would have credit in the bank. Those deep links do help and go a long way. I wish him well.”
Centres of attention: Wales build towards 2023
Nick Tompkins, Dragons (age 25)
A revelation in the Six Nations as Wales’ best ball-carrier, Tompkins is already a multiple Premiership Rugby title winner and Champions Cup winner with Saracens and qualifies for Wales through a Welsh grandmother who hails from Wrexham. Can play at 12 and 13 and is his loan-signing is a huge boost for the Dragons.
Another key man who won't be available for Sarries next season. https://t.co/xqRu0PeplF
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 26, 2020
Tyler Morgan, Scarlets (24)
Morgan played with some aplomb in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final at 19 and though he has struggled with form and fitness in recent years with the Dragons, he has been backed to kickstart his career in West Wales.
Owen Watkin, Ospreys (23)
Watkin prefers to play in the wider 13 channel where he can use his 6ft 2in, 15st 10lb frame to maximum effect. Already with 22 Wales caps, he made a difference from the bench during the 2019 Rugby World Cup with his rip and strip. Now over injury, he has bags of potential.
Kieran Williams, Ospreys (23)
Extremely powerful, Williams is a former Wales U20 international and in a very testing season for the Ospreys, he has stood up with a series of hard-running performances from inside-centre. Showed his mental strength after battling back from two years of injury.
Ben Thomas, Cardiff Blues (21)
A highly-skilled inside-centre who has played at fly-half, Thomas has the pace, vision and execution to excel as a playmaking 12. A former Premiership Player of the Year, Thomas came to the attention with a series of assured performances with the Blues earlier this season. His father Pat is a former British light-middleweight boxing champion.
Corey Baldwin, Exeter Chiefs (21)
A rarity in that he is leaving Wales, much like Rhys Carre 12 months ago, to try and improve as a player at one of the English rugby’s best clubs, Exeter Chiefs. Baldwin, who can play at 13 and on the wing, is highly rated at the Scarlets and just 21, he will learn from the likes of Henry Slade, Alex Cuthbert, Stuart Hogg and Jack Nowell. On signing him, Rob Baxter labelled Baldwin, ‘special’.
Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, Ospreys (20)
Another player who will emerge from a chastening season with the Ospreys a stronger player, Wheeler is a strapping 6ft 3in inside-centre with a decent offloading game and a strong defensive game. He scored against New Zealand in the U20 Junior World Cup.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments