19 Jan Rhys Williams announces Retirement

Bridgend Ravens Centre Rhys Williams has announced that he will retire from rugby following Saturday’s match with Pontypridd. 

Williams joined the club at the start of last season and made 34 appearances for Bridgend Ravens, scoring 38 points. Rhys has enjoyed a distinguished career at Premiership level, appearing for Carmarthen Quins, Swansea RFC, Ospreys Premiership Select with a period playing in France also featuring as part of a 17 year career. He calls time on his career following Saturday’s game and is selected at inside centre for the Indigo Premiership match at the Dunraven Brewery Field.

Following his decision to retire, Rhys said “I would like to thank the club for the opportunity to finish playing in my hometown, after a long career in the Premiership spanning over 17 years. 

I’m really grateful for everything that rugby has given to me and to my family. I’m turning 36 this month and I feel like it’s time for me to hang up my boots, concentrate on my family and coaching my 3 sons throughout the various ages of mini and juniors in Bridgend.”

Bridgend Ravens Assistant Coach, Matthew Jones, commented “I’m gutted that Rhys has announced his retirement and that Saturday’s game will be his last. We have spoken on a couple of occasions about this and I have tried hard to convince him otherwise. However, I totally understand and respect his decision as family and work will and must always come first. 

Rhys has been a very important player for Bridgend and will be hugely missed. His playing ability and experience will be a big loss to us as a group. He is someone who the group respects and looks up to. His standards and expectations have really helped install a belief in the group that no matter who the opposition, we can win. 

From a coaches’ point of view I really enjoyed coaching Rhys. It was great having him involved because he was a player who would help, support and deliver the coaches thoughts, tactics and game preparations on the field.

Rugby is a lot easier when you have a player like Rhys on your side , winning you collisions and providing you good speed of ball. 

I’m not sure of Rhys’ plans moving forward but I hope he stays involved in rugby as a coach. His knowledge, experience and personality will be a brilliant asset to any team. Rhys is a family man who I know loves spending time helping and watching his kids participate in sporting events on weekends. I’m sure he is looking forward to doing this more without all the knocks from playing on Saturdays!

Lastly I’m just left to say thank you from us all involved for service to Bridgend. It’s been a pleasure and privilege to have worked with you. I wish you well and hope to see you back at the Brewery Field soon supporting the boys.”