Wales rugby league's most capped player Williams to retire
Rhys Williams was part of the Wales squad that played at the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s in Australia
- Published
Wales most-capped rugby league international and record try scorer Rhys Williams has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old Widnes Vikings player, who can play centre or wing, has made over 350 senior appearances.
Williams played at four Rugby League World Cups and became Wales men's most-capped rugby league international against France in June 2022.
He won a total of 38 caps and scored 24 tries and said: "After a lot of thought, the time has come to hang up the boots.
"Rugby has given me more than I could ever have imagined: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the privilege of representing my country alongside some incredible blokes and coaches.
"It's been one hell of a journey, and I'm truly grateful for every step of it."
Williams made his debut for Warrington Wolves in 2010 and during his three years with the Wire had loan spells with Crusaders, Castleford Tigers, Salford City Reds and Swinton Lions.
Following a short spell with Central Queensland Capras in Australia he joined London Broncos in 2015 where he spent four years before a further three years at Salford City Reds.
He re-joined Swinton in 2024 before a move to Widnes in January 2025, for whom he has scored 12 tries in 16 appearances.
Lloyd, Evans and Kear also announce retirements
Rhodri Lloyd crosses for a try for Wales against Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup in 2022
Williams' announcement comes a few days after Vikings and Wales team-mate Rhodri Lloyd also announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Lloyd's 15-year senior career has seen him play for South Wales Scorpions, Wigan Warriors and Swinton Lions before a move to Widnes Vikings in 2024.
"Obviously, I've played a lot of that period part-time, and I just felt it was becoming more difficult to balance things between work and rugby," said Lloyd, who represented Wales at three World Cups.
"Playing for Widnes has been one of the highlights of my career.
"It was crucial for me to understand the significance this club held for the people of Widnes. So I've always tried to go out and wear the badge with pride.
"It's also great to be part of the proud Welsh history that's been associated with Widnes Vikings.
"I'm certainly in good company there with some of the Welsh greats that have represented this club, so I'm really proud of that."
Former Wales captain Elliot Kear, who won 35 caps for his country, has confirmed his retirement.
Kear, 36, has played for clubs including Crusaders, London Broncos, Bradford Bulls and most recently Batley Bulls.
Kear emulated former Whitchurch High School classmates Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale, in captaining Wales - in rugby union and football respectively.
Ben Evans has also called time on his playing career having helped North Wales Crusaders clinch the Betfred League One title last month.
Evans, who began his career alongside twin brother Rhys at Warrington Wolves, has had spells with London Broncos, Toulouse Olympique, Bradford Bulls and Barrow Raiders.
The 32-year-old prop made his Wales debut in 2012 and won a total of 14 caps.