Scott Williams made an impressive return for the Scarlets, playing the full 80 minutes in a defeat to Edinburgh. The 30-year-old centre, who spent the first nine years of his career at Parc y Scarlets, described pulling on the jersey again as 'special'. He helped the region win the PRO12 title in 2017 and reach the PRO14 final the following season.
Williams has faced significant injury challenges over the past few years, including a fractured scapula that ended his season and his time at the Ospreys. He admitted that being out of contract and injured was 'not the best situation', but he remained confident in his abilities. 'People were doubting that so I needed that one person to believe in me,' he said, crediting the Scarlets for giving him that opportunity.
The centre reflected on the unseen toll of injuries, noting that 'the effect it has on your wives, partners and children is tough'. He also highlighted the mental struggles, saying 'that's the part of the sport that no one sees'. However, he declined to delve too deeply into the 'dark times', suggesting that might be material for a future book.
Williams had pushed himself to extreme limits to try to make the 2019 World Cup, delaying surgery on a back injury that left him unable to lift his young son. He ultimately missed out on selection by a narrow margin. Despite the setbacks, he has no regrets, stating that playing for Wales is 'the reason I keep on playing rugby'.
Now back at the Scarlets, Williams is hopeful that under head coach Dwayne Peel, the region can reach the heights of his first spell. He is determined to prove his doubters wrong and repay the faith shown in him.
