Rhys Williams: Wales great says Test farewell denied by voicemail

Williams made his debut for Warrington in 2010 and has had spells with Crusaders, Castleford, Salford City Reds, Swinton Lions, London Broncos and Central Queensland Capras in Australia.

He moved to Widnes in January and scored 12 tries in 16 appearances this season for the Championship club.

“I wanted to retire this year off the back of playing for Wales,” said Williams, who had discussed a contract extension with Widnes but opted to focus on his career as a PE teacher in Congleton.

“Like any sports player, if there was a young lad coming through who I felt was better than me then I’d tip my cap and wish them well.

“That happened to me when I was at Salford but I feel that my form was good this year.

“I feel that I have dedicated my career to Wales so to be left a voicemail like that blew my mind.

“I get that it was going to end at some point and I could take it on the chin, but it to happen like that has been incredibly disappointing.”

Williams, who won his first cap against England as a teenager in 2008, is frustrated at the end to his international career but has fond memories to look back on.

“There was making my debut, which was very much unexpected at the time, winning European Cups and getting into the Four Nations, but generally it’s been meeting the people I did,” he said.

“There have been some great people involved with Wales Rugby League over the years who have kept it on its feet and I think we managed to create a great culture through the coaching staff and players.”