Johnny Williams keen to fulfil dream against England
Johnny Williams scored a try for England at Twickenham last year – but he only has their downfall in his sights on Saturday.
Born in Weston-super-Mare, but with a “die-hard Welshman” father from Rhyl, the former London Irish and Newcastle centre has proved one of Wales’ Autumn Nations Cup success stories.
X-factor
Williams might have only played one game so far – a Test debut in pouring rain against Georgia last weekend – but he showed enough to leave Wales head coach Wayne Pivac purring over his “X-factor” quality.
The 24-year-old only returned to professional rugby 10 months ago after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoing chemotherapy in 2019.
That diagnosis came soon after an impressive try-scoring display in a non-cap England outing when Eddie Jones’ men beat the Barbarians.
But he is now back doing what he does best, and relishing a major challenge opposite England’s midfield pairing of Owen Farrell and Henry Slade in Llanelli this weekend.
“It has always been a dream of mine,” said Williams.
“These England versus Wales games have definitely been the reason why I wanted to be on the pitch when I was watching at the Principality Stadium with my dad. These big games are the reason you want to make it to the top.
“It (treatment) was a massive setback, but one I can look back on with pride and joy knowing I fought through it to get back on the pitch.
“This is probably the highest level. It’s quite surreal, to be honest, and I am seriously excited.
“England at the minute are definitely up there with their performances and results. I know what England versus Wales means, so I can’t wait to get out on the pitch.”
Scarlets centre Williams remembers regular trips to Cardiff with his father, watching Wales on many occasions – often against England.
“Most England-Wales games at the Principality I’ve been to, until I was playing myself,” he added.
“He is a massive fan himself – a die-hard Welshman, and Welsh-speaking – so I know what these games mean.
“There is an edge to the players, and it’s a really good edge. You can tell that by the atmosphere and what’s in the air.”
Golden opportunity
With Wales’ star centre Jonathan Davies currently injured and Japan-based Hadleigh Parkes no longer available for selection, Williams has a golden opportunity to show his quality against the Six Nations champions.
And Williams’ exciting potential in the Test match arena is not lost on Wales boss Pivac.
“It was a good start for him (against Georgia), and we think there is more to come,” said Pivac.