Wales: Full-back Liam Williams ruled out of Six Nations clash against France through injury

Jared Wright
Wales: Fullback Liam Williams ruled out of Six Nations clash against France through injury

Experienced full-back Liam Williams has been ruled out of Wales’ last Six Nations Test of 2023, against France on Super Saturday.

The 31-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during the 29-17 win over Italy in Rome last week.

Williams ruled out

Warren Gatland has not called up any additional cover for the full-back, with Leigh Halfpenny, Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit the possible replacements.

It’s a cruel blow for Wales ahead of their final clash after Williams scored a phenomenal try against the Azzurri.

Meanwhile, hooker Scott Baldwin has also been ruled out of the clash at the Stade de France after picking up a pectoral muscle injury last week.

He came off the bench for captain Ken Owens during the match, but his stint was short-lived before he returned to the sidelines.

Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has been called up as cover for Baldwin and will look to add to his five Test caps. 

The 32-man squad named by Gatland will train in Nice this week as they prepare for the clash against the defending champions and title contenders France.

Les Bleus need a favour from England in the tournament’s final match, as Ireland are yet to lose in this year’s Championship.

Further changes

Elsewhere in the squad, Ospreys centre Keiran Williams has been released back to his region.

The 25-year-old suffered a groin injury during the Ospreys’ United Rugby Championship game against Benetton 10 days ago.

Exeter Chiefs forward Christ Tshiunza and Cardiff lock Teddy Williams have also been released back to their clubs.

The win over Italy last week means that Wales will likely avoid claiming the Wooden Spoon this year. 

They face a tough task against the second-ranked side in World Rugby, having lost their last four fixtures against Fabien Galthie’s team.

Les Bleus head into the match off the back of a 53-10 rout against England at Twickenham in round four. 

Kick-off at the Stade de France is at 14:45 GMT and will be broadcasted live on ITV and S4C.

Wales squad to face France

Forwards (18): Rhys Carre, Wyn Jones, Gareth Thomas, Ken Owens (c), Sam Parry, Bradley Roberts, Leon Brown, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright

Backs (14): Kieran Hardy, Rhys Webb, Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Owen Williams, Mason Grady, Joe Hawkins, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees-Zammit

READ MORE: Explained: Why Cian Healy was allowed to scrum at hooker in Ireland’s triumph over Scotland