Liam Williams set for Japanese switch but there is a catch
Liam Williams is set to leave Cardiff midway through his contract to join a Japanese Rugby League One (JRLO) side, according to reports.
The 32-year-old is only halfway through a two-year deal with Cardiff, but the recent budget cuts for Welsh regions means the side are keen to offload the British & Irish Lion.
Liam Williams off to JRLO champions
Williams has played 84 times for Wales and is expected to be part of their Rugby World Cup campaign in France. He will still be eligible for selection for the tournament.
According to the BBC, Williams will be allowed to join the unnamed Japanese club after the World Cup.
A previous report from Wales Online stated that current JRLO champions, the Kubota Spears, were considering a deal worth £500,000 a season to land Williams’ signature.
However, the BBC report adds that the move is understood to be dependent upon passing a ‘strict medical examination’ because of his long history of injuries.
The outside back has struggled with injuries, featuring just four times for Cardiff this season.
Former All Blacks and Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty brought his career to a close in the final of the JRLO, freeing up space in the Kubota squad for a new international signing which Williams could fill.
Welsh exodus
Cardiff’s annual budget is set to be cut from £7.2m to £5.2m next season, reducing to £4.5m for the 2024-25 campaign for each of the four leading Welsh teams.
Williams’ departure would come off the back of Josh Navidi’s retirement, with key players Dillon Lewis and Jarrod Evans both joining Premiership outfit Harlequins.
The side are also losing Rhys Priestland, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo (all TBC), James Ratti (Ospreys), Llyod Williams (Ealing Trailfinders), and Max Llewellyn (Gloucester).
Wales teammates Joe Hawkins (Exeter Chiefs), Cory Hill (Japan), Rhys Webb (Biarritz), Tom Francis (Provence), and Will Rowlands (Racing 92) will all move abroad next season.
Leigh Halfpenny, Gareth Anscombe, and Rhys Patchell have also all been released by their regional sides.
If Williams’ deal to Japan is finalised, he will be the 17th player to leave Cardiff this season.
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