Warren Gatland holds talks with Liam Williams about Wales

Liam Williams says he has held talks with Warren Gatland over his international future - with the Wales coach assuring him he will consider him for selection leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Williams left Wales for Japan last year to join Kubota Spears, which ruled him out of Six Nations contention earlier this spring. The former Scarlets and Cardiff man has 89 caps to his name, and is therefore unaffected by the 25-cap rule in place.

Gatland had previously hinted he would be sticking with the same group of players he picked for the Six Nations for the clash against South Africa and the two-Test tour Down Under against Australia this summer, dismissing the prospect of bringing back experienced players as "pointless".

SIGN UP: Get the new exclusive Inside Welsh rugby newsletter for full insight into what's really going on around all the big issues. This special offer will get you full access for the entire year for just £10 instead of £40.

But Williams is still very much hopeful of pulling on the red jersey again and also has eyes on the next World Cup.

“I still intend to play for Wales and have my hand out for the summer tour of Australia if the opportunity arises,” Williams told RugbyJapan365.

“I spoke to Warren Gatland just two weeks ago and he said he would consider putting me on the squad.

“I would like to play if given the chance but that depends on the head coach's decision."

Gatland and his coaching team turned to youth for the Six Nations campaign, blooding youth in the starting XVs throughout the tournament. Cameron Winnett, who filled out the number 15 jersey with distinction, has arguably made that his spot to lose this summer.

Thirty-three-year-old Williams has made six League One appearances for his club in a season hampered by injury and is set to stay on next season, which would rule him out of the 2025 Six Nations.

He added: “It was a good year, I didn't play as much as I would have liked. I want to show more of my performance next season.”

Gatland had previously said of his summer squad plans: "We are going to keep going with these players through the summer tour. I don’t see any point in bringing more experienced players who haven’t been available for us during the Six Nations."