**Welsh Rugby Stars Shine in England: Tomos Williams and Nicky Smith Feature in Gallagher Premiership Team of the Season**
Two leading Welsh rugby union players, Tomos Williams and Nicky Smith, have been recognised for their outstanding performances in English domestic rugby after being named in the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership Team of the Season. Their selection follows a string of impressive displays since swapping Welsh clubs for rivals across the Severn Bridge last summer.
Williams, the experienced scrum-half, joined Gloucester after a long stint with Cardiff Rugby. His transition to the English Premiership has been nothing short of remarkable, concluding his debut season with the accolade of Premiership Player of the Season. Throughout the campaign, Williams crossed the try line an impressive nine times, while also racking up a host of assists for his team-mates. His influence was not only felt at club level but also caught the attention of the Lions selectors, securing him a spot for this summer’s British & Irish Lions tour.
Meanwhile, prop Nicky Smith has made a notable impact at Leicester Tigers, following his move from the Ospreys. Smith has played a pivotal role both in the scrum and open play, quickly becoming an integral figure in helping Leicester reach the Premiership play-offs. Renowned for his prowess in the set-piece, Smith is being touted as a possible surprise addition to the Lions squad due to his recent form.
Their presence in the Premiership Team of the Season is particularly significant given the challenges Welsh rugby has faced on the international stage recently. Selected by a panel of rugby experts and journalists, including the Rugby Players’ Association’s Christian Day and media personalities such as Ugo Monye, the team highlights the growing influence of overseas players in the English top flight.
Tomos Williams partners England fly-half George Ford in the team’s half-back pairing, speaking to the highly competitive nature of this year’s selection. The expert panel featured not only former players and coaches but also experienced commentators and reporters from major broadcasters and newspapers, offering a broad perspective on who made the cut.
Bath and Sale Sharks figure prominently in the rest of the fifteen, with players such as Thomas Du Toit, Maro Itoje, and Tom Willis also featuring. Williams’ Gloucester colleague Santi Carreras was chosen at full-back, rounding out a Team of the Season that reflects the quality on display in the Gallagher Premiership this year.
Williams himself shared his delight at winning individual honours and being included in the Team of the Season. Reflecting on his move to Gloucester, he said, “I’m really grateful and very proud. Coming from the players from each team, it means a lot.” The 30-year-old added that he approached the season with an open mind and has found the club’s environment and playing style hugely rewarding: “They give us the freedom to play and express ourselves and I think that has benefited me and the boys.”
Nicky Smith’s inclusion underscores Leicester Tigers’ impressive campaign, particularly in the set-piece. The Welsh prop joins Bath’s Tom Dunn and Thomas Du Toit in the front row, a powerful selection that speaks to the physical nature of Premiership rugby.
For Welsh rugby supporters, seeing two key internationals recognised at the top level of English rugby will bring a sense of pride, especially as both players continue to develop their skills beyond the Welsh regional scene. Their performances could have a positive knock-on effect for the Wales national side, with both men set to feature prominently this summer.
In summary, the recognition of Tomos Williams and Nicky Smith in the prestigious Team of the Season not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the excellent standard of rugby talent coming out of Wales. As the Gallagher Premiership continues to attract international stars, the successes of Williams and Smith serve as an inspiration for others considering moves abroad to further their careers.