Johnny Williams: Scarlets centre hopes for Wales recall

Williams’ fine form has been primarily due to being injury free after being beset by niggling issues over the past few years.

“The big thing is staying fit,” said Williams.

“I’ve had some nasty injuries in the past and I’ve been in and out of squads because of that.

“I’m happy I’ve got a bit of consistency under my belt and a run of games, that’s the big thing.”

The former Newcastle player has had several lengthy spells on the sidelines since joining Scarlets in 2020.

“I’ve had frustrating ones,” said Williams.

“I was out for six months with my calf, I should have been out for eight weeks.

“That one for me was mentally hard not having an end goal or not a return to play target. I was worrying about an injury which was small but I couldn’t get back from it for a while.

“I’ve had nastier injuries like a dislocated shoulder or a torn hamstring off the bone and that’s gone to plan.

“Even though it’s a nastier injury I’ve mentally dealt with that better. That calf injury was a hard one.”

Williams acknowledges he has greater perspective after overcoming testicular cancer in 2019 which ruled him out of rugby for six months.

“I’ve had harder challenges in my life,” said Williams.

“Now I sort of look at injuries not as heavy because you have that sort of perspective from it.”