**Wales’ Tomos Williams Reflects on Career-Changing Move, as Van der Merwe Eyes Springbok Call-Up**
This evening sees several headline developments in Welsh and international rugby, as leading players reflect on pivotal moments in their careers, while a storied English side embarks on a new chapter.
Tomos Williams, the dynamic scrum-half for Wales, has attributed his recent inclusion in the prestigious British & Irish Lions tour to his bold move to Gloucester last summer. Having settled in quickly at Kingsholm following his departure from Cardiff, Williams has flourished in the Gallagher Premiership, earning widespread praise for his performances in his debut season with the Cherry & Whites.
Williams is one of only two Welshmen named in Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad for this summer’s Lions tour of Australia, an unusually small Welsh contingent not seen since before the Second World War. Alongside captain Jac Morgan, Williams admitted that his transfer across the Severn has been transformative for his game. Speaking to local media, the 30-year-old credited the Gloucester coaching staff, including attack coach James Lightfoot Brown and director of rugby George Skivington, for providing an environment where he could truly develop. Williams revealed, “Coming here this season has helped me massively,” emphasising that the move was pivotal in enabling his Lions selection.
Reflecting on the moment his name was announced for the Lions, Williams described it as an emotionally charged experience, saying it was “so special” and “the pinnacle of rugby.” For the experienced international, now boasting 64 caps, this recognition is the summit of a career defined by ambitious choices and hard work.
Elsewhere in Wales, hooker Marnus van der Merwe has set his sights on achieving international honours with his native South Africa following an impressive spell with the Scarlets. Since joining the West Wales club from the Cheetahs last summer, Van der Merwe’s tenacious displays have not gone unnoticed, with some hailing him as one of the signings of the season.
Although the 28-year-old was previously included in a Springbok alignment camp, a senior cap has so far eluded him. Now settled in Llanelli and excelling under head coach Dwayne Peel, Van der Merwe remains hopeful that continuing to deliver standout performances in the United Rugby Championship will propel him into the Springbok reckoning. “My goal is to get into international rugby,” he shared, adding that the opportunity provided by the Scarlets represented a turning point after feeling his career had stalled in South Africa due to injuries and limited competition.
Van der Merwe recalled that committing to the Scarlets was an easy decision, particularly as it offered more exposure against top-level opposition. He expresses gratitude for the faith shown in him by the club’s coaching staff and stated his determination to repay that support with effort on the field, aspiring to demonstrate he has what it takes to wear the famous green jersey.
On the English rugby front, an era draws to a close as former England scrum-half Danny Care has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season. After an astonishing 19 years with Harlequins, where he amassed 394 appearances and contributed to two Premiership titles, Care’s departure marks the end of an epoch for both club and country. Internationally, Care featured in two World Cups and earned 101 caps, becoming a stalwart of the England set-up.
In a heartfelt message, Care paid tribute to the club and its supporters, acknowledging how moving from Leeds to Harlequins had felt like ‘coming home’ from day one. Following his retirement, Care is set to take up an ambassadorial role at the club, ensuring that his influence endures beyond the pitch.
Meanwhile, the Worcester Warriors, poised for a Championship return following financial struggles and two and a half years in administration, have brought in Matt Everard as their new head coach. A former Leicester and Wasps player and most recently Leicester’s defence coach, Everard is tasked with leading the club’s resurgence as it seeks to rebuild on and off the field. Warriors chief executive Stephen Vaughan praised Everard’s elite experience and leadership qualities, hopeful they will be instrumental in restoring the club’s standing in the English game.
As the domestic season edges towards its climax and international selections loom, these stories highlight the personal journeys, ambitions, and transitions that drive rugby forward – both in Wales and across the rugby world.