**Liam Williams Seeks New Club, Scottish Rugby Mourns as Graham Dall Passes Aged 49: Evening Rugby Roundup**
In a day awash with news both poignant and promising in the rugby world, Wales international Liam Williams has publicly appealed for a new club as his stint with Saracens ends abruptly. Elsewhere, the rugby community is reflecting on the loss of former Scotland A flanker Graham Dall, who has died at the age of 49. These stories headline an eventful period of sporting news as teams across the UK reach pivotal points in their seasons.
**Williams Eyes New Opportunity**
Liam Williams, the seasoned Welsh full-back, has announced his search for a fresh start after a frustratingly brief return to Saracens was curtailed by injury. Having joined the English club in November following a stint in Japan, Williams’ hopes were dashed when he sustained a knee injury during his opening Six Nations game against France earlier this year, keeping him sidelined ever since. Despite positive recovery news, Williams’ association with Saracens – a club he briefly called home between 2017 and 2020 – is now set to conclude.
Speaking recently on the “Sportin Wales” podcast hosted by ex-teammate Alex Cuthbert, Williams shared candidly about his situation: “I had surgery twelve weeks ago, and things feel good. I’m waiting on the latest MRI results, but I’m eager to find a club willing to take me on for the upcoming season.” Williams remains committed to his on-field ambitions, expressing hope that his journey with the Welsh national team will continue, with a personal milestone of 100 caps in his sights.
**Tributes for Dall After Untimely Passing**
Meanwhile, Scottish rugby is mourning the death of Graham Dall, a former Scotland A and Edinburgh Reivers player, at just 49 years old. Dall’s career straddled both amateur and professional eras in the sport, leaving a lasting impression on the pitch and later dedicating himself to a medical career as an orthopaedic surgeon at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose.
Described by the Scottish Rugby Union as a “gifted flanker and a charismatic leader,” Dall’s influence is echoed by former Edinburgh teammate Duncan Hodge: “Graham was not only tough and talented, but brought something extra in attack, almost playing like a back at times. Many of us from that era built strong friendships with him. His loss is deeply felt.” Dall’s younger brother, Andrew, also represented Scotland in the early 2000s.
**Bristol Triumph in Cardiff Spectacle**
On the field, Bristol produced a dominant display at the Principality Stadium, dispatching Bath 36-14 in front of over 51,000 fans. The landmark Gallagher Premiership fixture, dubbed the Bears’ ‘Big Day Out,’ provided plenty of entertainment and ensured Bristol remain in play-off contention. Despite discipline issues which saw them receive four yellow cards, Bristol crossed for six tries and now look ahead to a crucial contest with Sale Sharks.
Conversely, Bath, fielding a much-changed side after recent success in Europe, were unable to match Bristol’s intensity. Tries from Gabriel Ibitoye, Rich Lane, Fitz Harding, and others propelled the Bears up the table, making a strong statement as the season reaches its business end.
**Cardiff’s Play-off Fate Hangs in the Balance**
Cardiff Rugby face a nervy conclusion to their United Rugby Championship campaign after falling 45-21 to the Bulls in Pretoria. Despite heading into the round sitting fifth, the Welsh outfit were outclassed in South Africa, with the contest effectively decided by half-time after four Bulls tries. Cardiff rallied late but must now rely on favourable results elsewhere and possibly defeat the Stormers in their final match to secure a play-off berth.
**Lions Squad Selection Sparks Debate**
In selection news, Glasgow’s Scott Cummings has been included in Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad, much to the delight – but not surprise – of teammate Zander Fagerson. Cummings’ return from injury came just in time for consideration, and Fagerson described him as “a calming presence” whose technical skills and leadership in the line-out will be invaluable for the Australian tour later this year.
Fagerson, himself returning from injury, expressed full confidence in Cummings’ ability to contribute, underscoring the strong sense of camaraderie and belief running through the Scottish representation in the Lions set-up.
**Rugby Community Rallies in Changing Times**
As clubs and players alike navigate transitions both personal and professional, these stories serve as a timely reminder of rugby’s unpredictability, the resilience demanded by top-level sport, and the close-knit nature of its community. Whether mourning the loss of respect figures or celebrating milestones and new opportunities, the rugby world remains united in its spirit and mutual support.