Williams brought in to mentor Scarlets young talent

Former Wales full-back Liam Williams has been brought in by Scarlets to mentor promising prospect Callum Woolley.

Williams announced his retirement in March, citing an ongoing knee injury as a factor behind his decision.

He has stated he would like to get into coaching back-three players and he has been given a short-term opportunity by Scarlets.

Williams began his professional career with the club - who he represented across two spells - and went on to have stints with Saracens, Cardiff, Japanese side Kubota Spears and finally Newcastle Red Bulls.

"I've been impressed with Liam," said interim Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies.

"I remember Liam as a 17-year-old long-haired hippie when he came in, a scrawny little lad, and he benefited from the experience around him.

"Liam asked if he could come in and I thought it was an ideal opportunity, as he wants to get some experience in the coaching environment, to link him to Callum.

"It is a great opportunity for to work with one of our younger players.

"Liam has been great with him. It's been great for both of them and I'm delighted with how that's gone."

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Williams has impressive credentials he can pass onto the next generation after scoring 21 tries in 93 Wales internationals.

The 34-year-old also toured with the Lions to New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa four years later, playing in five Tests.

Woolley, 20, was called up to the GB Sevens squad earlier this season with Davies stating he will start for Scarlets in one of the final three United Rugby Championship (URC) games of the season.

"We're trying to accelerate his development," said Davies.

"He's somebody we'll probably see in the next two or three games. He's 6ft 4ins and he's one of the quickest in Wales.

"He is excellent. So what's not to like?"

Scarlets have lost Wales wing Tom Rogers to Ospreys next season but Davies believes they will cope with his absence.

"It's a shame about Tom," said Davies. "We wanted to keep him and we made him an offer but he's got decisions to make and we understand that.

"We wish him all the best. However, it is an area where we have a lot of depth, a lot of strength.

"Our backline in particular will stay together for the next year or two at least, so it's got a lot of growth in it.

"Our priority has been in strengthening the pack and getting more numbers and quality there."

Scarlets will welcome back Wales centre Eddie James and international hookers Ryan Elias and Marnus van der Merwe for the URC derby to face Cardiff in Llanelli on Saturday.