“There is a lot of history at Treorchy. They are a great club and I started playing with them when I was six or seven,” says Williams. “I played four games for them at senior level so I went right through the age groups and I’m really proud to say I’m from there.”
So attached is Williams to the valleys club that he attended their pre-season tour to Belgium earlier this year prior to embarking on Wales’ World Cup training camp.
His affection for the place is evident when he says, “Hopefully they are proud of me becoming a Wales international and being at the World Cup, and I hope I can keep it going.
“There have been a lot of internationals from the club and I bet there are plenty more to come. They produce some really good players.”
Recently, these have included the likes of Andrew Bishop and Morgan Stoddart – the former of whom has been coaching the first XV.
The fraternal feeling he has towards the club is literal as well as figurative. “I’ve got two brothers who play for Treorchy and my old man coached me all the way through,” says Williams, a former age grade basketball international. “It means I’ve got a very good connection to the Oval.”
Asked whether he might be interested in following in the footsteps of Bishop and another Wales international, Ian Evans, in coaching the Rhondda club, he answers: “Maybe in the future – not so much just yet. Andrew Bishop is there now and doing a good job.”
For now, the 24-year-old has only one thing on his mind: making an impact in the Rugby World Cup. And he’s got the whole community backing him.
“I know the whole club will be behind me and wishing me luck,” says Williams. “I can’t wait to get the chance to represent Treorchy on the big stage.
“I’ve got to take every chance when they come because you don’t get that many.”
