Young Gun: Owen Williams – Scalets fly-half
Before his 21st birthday last Wednesday, Williams kicked the Scarlets past Connacht on his Pro12 debut and then scored all the points in a victory over Munster, outshining opposite number Ronan O’Gara – he of 130 caps – in the process.
Indeed, he showed maturity that belied his tender years against the Irish province, knocking over a crucial drop-goal in a manner that O’Gara would have been proud of.
Long since on the radar of the international selectors, Williams played a key role in helping Wales to third in last summer’s Junior World Championship.
And while his right boot has ensured Williams has turned plenty of heads, he believes his rugby league talents – he represented Great Britain at U18 level – ensures he has the ball skills that could one day see him shine in Wales’ fabled red No.10 jersey.
“Of course, given the chance, I love to play with the ball in hand and get it moving through the backs,” said Williams.
“I played Rugby League to a high standard and so I think that’s a feature of my game that’s strong. At the end of the day I had to decide which code to play but I always felt more at home playing rugby union, that was the main one for me growing up.
“I just felt like giving League a go and I’m pleased I did, I think it gives me an extra bit to my game that maybe some other players don’t have.
“I like to think that I can adapt my game according to the conditions.”
But he will not let his increasing profile go to his head.
Williams said: “It has been fantastic to get out there in the Pro12 and to be named the man of the match is great but the team comes first. We’ve been happy with our performances recently and we’ve been getting the results to get ourselves on track for the play-offs.
“We’ve got a good amount of home games remaining in the Pro12 and we’re desperate to get there after just missing out last season.”
Ospreys‘ loss has been the Scarlets gain after Williams played for their rivals at U16 and U18 level before his brief conversion across the codes.
While his age-group rival Rhys Patchell, 19, has been thrust into the thick of the action at Cardiff Blues all season, Williams has had to bide his time at the Scarlets with Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland occupying the No.10 jersey earlier this season.
Priestland’s Achilles’ injury perhaps gave Williams his chance earlier than expected, but as he points out, Priestland would be on Wales duty were he fit. And Williams revealed he had always planned for an extended run in the team at this stage of the season.
“Having Rhys Priestland around is a great help for me, we’re always going through kicking training and things like that and he’s just great to have around the club for me,” added Williams.
“If he was fit he’d be with Wales so it’s not a case of his injury helping me, but I need to be ready to step in when called on.
“I just want to keep on showing what I can do when I get the game time but it’s about the team and making sure that we can get to the play-offs come the end of the season.”
