Gary Williams retires
Pontypridd back Gary Williams has called time on his playing career at the age of 31 due to a persistent ankle injury.
A rugged and versatile performer, Gary could play equally well at centre or full back, was strong in the tackle, dynamic in attack and possessed a siege gun kick from the hands. All these attributes made him a firm favourite with the Ponty faithful over the past eleven seasons.
Gary Williams played his first game for Pontypridd as a 19 year old on permit from his local club Aberdare, when he came on as a replacement full back against Ebbw Vale at the tail end of the 2008-09 season. He marked his debut with two conversions – the only goals he ever kicked in his long career with the club.
He only made three appearances during that debut campaign, but the following season was a regular on the team sheet, playing 20 games, mainly in the centre, where his sheer physicality and bravery made an indelible impression. His 100th game came on 25th April 2015, but it was inevitable that his abrasive style of play would take its toll on his body and injury dogged him throughout the following years.
When the 2019-2020 campaign was called to an abrupt end, Gary Williams had totalled 171 appearances for Ponty, scoring 32 tries and 164 points. Having taken the subsequent time out to assess his injury problems, Gary has now decided to hang up his boots, and departs with the sincere thanks and best wishes of all at Pontypridd RFC.
