Welsh wizard Shane Williams has been playing in Japan since hanging up his boots for club and country, relishing the challenge and change of scenery. BBC’s Scrum V caught up with him recently for a fascinating look into his new life just outside Tokyo.
Williams, who played his final match for Wales last December, has taken to semi-professional rugby well and bought into the change of pace. He’s playing for Japanese Division Two team Mitsubishi Dynaboars, and plays alongside former Wasps flyhalf Dave Walder, and All Black Tom Donnelly.
“Rugby is certainly a growing sport in Japan – twice the sport it was back when I toured out here. They are certainly getting better and better and it shows,” Williams told Wales Online recently.
“Its attraction has grown over the years and what I have noticed is that they are very passionate about rugby, and sport in general, and have shown their commitment by bringing in big signings such as Sonny Bill Williams and Jerry Collins.
“It may not be as physical as other nations but they play at a very fast pace – 100mph rugby – and that suits my style down tot he ground.
“I am consistently learning out here. It’s a lot different to what I am used to – the training, the gym workouts, the food. These are all experiences I want to bring back to the UK and Wales. I am having to adapt every day.
“The family and I try to get out to Tokyo as much as we can, but you could spend a year in Japan and not have enough time to see half of it. Wales is a very small country and until you go and experience new places like Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, you really haven’t lived.
“It’s been a very positive experience for us so far and we are all definitely enjoying ourselves.”
This 15 minute look his time in Japan gives a great insight into his everyday life so far. Enjoy.
Credit: BBC Scrum V
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