List of PREM job-seekers whittled down to 98-cap Wales and Lions star

Despite 98 Test appearances – including five for the British and Irish Lions – and two Six Nations titles with Wales, Liam Williams remains unemployed after his short-term contract with Saracens wasn’t renewed when last season ended.

With former Bristol winger Siva Naulago recently signing for Worcester Warriors, the 34-year-old from Swansea is the only one out of around 30 established senior PREM players (non academy) who were released back onto the job market in June still seeking a new club.

Others that have been released have either been contracted by another full-time club at home or abroad, retired altogether, or opted to go down the part-time rugby route and start a new career alongside playing part-time rugby in the National Leagues.

However, Williams refuses to call time on his stellar career, which includes five Lions caps, and is banking on getting a late deal.

The full-back had a spell training with his former club Cardiff last month and is currently keeping in shape at the Welsh national team’s Vale of Glamorgan base.

“I’ve still got quite a bit left and I’d like to get back on the horse for another year or two so I can end my career on a high,” Williams, who won his last cap in the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations, told the BBC.

“I’ve never been without a job before and it’s really starting to hit home now that games are starting up. I just want to play.

“I am working hard in training every day but it’s not the same on your own, I miss being part of a squad.”

A knee injury prevented Williams from becoming a Test rugby centurion and he played no further rugby last season after the 43-0 defeat to France in Paris at the end of January.

But he insists he still has plenty to offer, as a player and mentor. “I’ve still got quite a bit left and I’d like to get back on the horse for another year or two so I can end my career on a high,” he said.

“I’ve never been without a job before and it’s really starting to hit home now that games are starting up. I just want to play.

“I am working hard in training every day but it’s not the same on your own, I miss being part of a squad.”

Senior pros released by PREM clubs at the end of 2024/25*

Bath: Hame Faiva (Newcastle), Mackenzie Graham (Coventry), Louis Schreuder (Boland), John Stewart (Leicester).

Bristol: Deago Bailey (Ealing), Sam Edwards (Ealing), Siva Naulago (Worcester).

Exeter: Niall Armstrong (Dragons), Hallam Chapman (unknown), Jack Dunne (Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi), Franco Molina (Western Force).

Gloucester: Louis Hillman-Cooper (Rennes), Mayco Vivas (Oyonnax).

Harlequins: George Head (Dorking), Irne Herbst (Brive), Dino Lamb (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Archie White (Tonbridge Juddians), Lewis Gjaltema (Tonbridge Juddians).

Leicester: Come Joussain (Worcester), Kyle Hatherell (Ealing).

Newcastle: Released list not available at the end of the season

Northampton: Nathan Langdon (Sale FC), Beltus Nonleh (Sedgley Tigers).

Sale Sharks: Will Addison (Sale FC)

Saracens: Josh Hallett (Oxxford Uni), Liam Williams (unattached).

*doesn’t include players retired from rugby altogether