Why isn’t Liam Williams playing for Wales against Ireland, and when will he return?
WALES continue their Grand Slam defence with a crunch clash against Ireland in Dublin.
Wayne Pivac saw his side dismantle Italy 42-0 in their opening game of the tournament – but must now face the Irish without back Liam Williams.
Why isn’t Liam Williams playing for Wales against Ireland?
ONE of Wales’ most experienced players, Williams has 62 caps and made his international bow in 2012.
A versatile and attacking player, the former Scarlets man can play at either flanker or wing and was a key member of last year’s Grand Slam Six Nations success.
But at the World Cup in Japan, Williams suffered an ankle injury which forced him out of the tournament.
He underwent surgery and was initially ruled out for three months, but the Welsh flyer hasn’t recovered as quickly as hoped.
Wales defence coach Byron Hayward explained: “He’s struggling a bit at the moment.
“Look at all the positives – the boys all worked well last weekend.
“Leigh [Halfpenny] had a great game at full-back, though it would be nice to get Liam back.”
The Saracens star could potentially get game-time back at his club as he looks to ease his way back into the rough and tumble of rugby.
Hayward continued: “[Playing for Saracens] will be governed by the medical team in terms of where he’s at and how he progresses in the next couple of weeks.
“It’s a possibility, certainly.”
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When will he return?
WILLIAMS has been ruled out of the Six Nations clashes against Ireland and France.
But there is a hope that he could return for the big showdown with England on March 7.
If he’s unable to make that match, the Dragons face Scotland in their final game a week later on March 14.
Hayward said: “It’s probably a bit too early for Liam, we’re looking at the fourth and fifth game [for a return].
“We’re not too bad at the moment. There are a couple of knocks, bumps and bruises but nothing very serious.
“We came out of last weekend in a pretty good place in terms of a physical and medical point of view.”