Skip to content

Wales full-back Liam Williams faces World Cup fitness race

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 21:  Liam Williams of Wales celebrates scoring his try during the RBS 6 Nations match between Italy and Wales at Stadio Olimpico on Mar
Image: Liam Williams broke into the Wales side during the Six Nations.

Wales full-back Liam Williams is battling to be fit for the start of the Rugby World Cup following surgery on his foot.

Williams, who has 23 caps for his country and can also play on the wing, forced his way into Wales’ Six Nations starting line-up after a number of fine performances for Scarlets.

No timescale has been put on his recuperation period but head coach Warren Gatland, who has retained him in his World Cup camp, will give him every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of this autumn's showpiece.

In a statement, the Welsh Rugby Union said: "Liam Williams has undergone surgery on a foot complaint. He will continue his World Cup preparations within the Wales camp."

The 2013 Six Nations champions are already without centre Jonathan Davies who has been ruled out of the entire tournament with knee ligament damage.

Wales, who must name their 31-man squad on August 31, have been drawn in Pool A alongside England, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay, the latter provide the opposition in their opener at the Millennium Stadium on September 20.