Wales centurion Williams took over Phillips for the start of 2020, the latter having been in place for 18 years before departing to become Director of Operations for the British & Irish Lions.
But Williams, who since retiring has gained extensive management experience, is happy with the way things are going ahead of his first Six Nations as part of Wayne Pivac’s backroom staff.
“I am trying to follow Thumper (Phillips) who has been here 18 years,” said Williams.
“He did an amazing job and it’s not until you are in his shoes you learn how big his job was. You have to make everything work for everyone else.
“He has been unbelievably helpful to me. When it was announced I had the job he was one of the first to pick up the phone.
“I had a coffee with him and a couple of hours and he allowed me in for the Barbarians week just to shadow what he did, what he does on match day and during the week.
“The main role from me I see is making sure everything is in place for the management and players to do what they have to do and perform at the highest level they can. Ultimately at elite level sport now what goes on behind the scenes is pretty incredible.
“It’s not just the players. There is a squad of 38 and perhaps a backroom staff of 27 as well.
“You have a responsibility of making sure the medics and strength and conditioning guys have everything they want. I am looking at making sure everything is in place for the players and management to make sure they can perform as best as they can.”
Williams has fond memories of the Six Nations having played a starring role in two Six Nations Grand Slams as a player. But he believes his new role as team manager will give him the same buzz he got as a player.
“There is definitely a buzz especially in this tournament having been lucky enough to have played in it for as long as I did,” said Williams.
“I have done the media side of things and excited coming into it. To be in the bubble again was pretty nerve-wracking but it’s exciting as well.
“I started officially last Monday so the first seven or eight days have been getting to grips with things and meeting everyone within the Union.”
Wales open the Guinness Six Nations campaign against Italy at Principality Stadium on Saturday 1st Feb (14:15). Tickets are available here.
