According to the Mail Online, Liam Williams is on the verge of becoming the first Welsh rugby player to abandon his country amid the ongoing contractual turmoil.
The full-back, who has been a Lions tourist twice, is expected to make a profitable move to Japan, specifically to the Kobe Steelers team, due to the severe financial restrictions imposed on Wales’ four regions.
Gatland said last week: “The desire to play for Wales and be in Wales potentially isn’t as strong as it was,” he said.
“There are maybe a number of players who are thinking about do they want to play their rugby in Wales. They’re probably looking at other potential opportunities overseas.”
The situation has led to about 90 out-of-contract players in the country’s Six Nations squad being unable to receive new contracts, resulting in threats of a strike before last weekend’s defeat to England
Williams made the switch from Scarlets to Cardiff in the summer of 2022.
The full back arrived at the capital with a glittering CV, having toured twice with the British and Irish Lions and won both the United Rugby Championship, Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup.
Williams has established himself as one of the best full backs of his generation, and is known for his counter-attacks, strong aerial ability and aggression on both sides of the ball.
