Rugby Union Shirt» shane williams

Williams bags Welsh Sports Personality Award

Thomas — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:06:32 +0000

Shane Williams has been named the Welsh Sports Personality of the Year for 2008, adding to his haul of awards which also includes the International Rugby Board’s world player of the year.

The 31-year-old wing received the most votes from the Welsh public, ahead of the much fancied Olympic cycling gold medallist Nicole Cooke and boxer Joe Calzaghe.

After the ceremony, Williams spoke of his delight, “It’s been crazy over 12 months and a dream come true to be honest. It really is getting better and better and this tops it off, really.”

Wales can be as good as Tri-Nations – Williams

Thomas — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:16:02 +0000

Shane Williams believes the Autumn tests have shown that Wales aren’t far behind the Tri-Nations and that they are more than capable of competing with all three sides.

South Africa and New Zealand both beat Wales with the latter completing a comprehensive 29-9 victory. However, Williams believes the victory over Australia in the last Test shows how far Wales have come.

He commented, “They certainly are the three best teams in the world but I think we are closing the gap. We showed against Australia that if you do play well, you can win.”

Williams voted World Player of the Year

Thomas — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:20:37 +0000

Shane Williams has been voted World Player of the Year by the IRB and becomes the first ever Welsh player to receive the accolade.

The Ospreys wing beat competition from Mike Blair, Ryan Jones, Dan Carter and Sergio Parisse to take home the award and afterwards spoke of his disbelief.

“It’s the biggest honour you can get as an individual in rugby and it’s totally overwhelming.”

“Just being nominated was humbling. And to receive the award from Bryan Habana, who is one of the best – if not the best – wing in the world means so much to me. I was more nervous up there on stage than I was facing the haka against the All Blacks on Saturday!”