Elliot Williams is a young rugby player with a bright future ahead of him. At just 19 years old, he has already made a name for himself in the sport, with his impressive size and physicality standing out. But it's not just his stature that makes him a force to be reckoned with; it's his determination, work ethic, and desire to improve. In this article, I'll take a closer look at Williams' journey so far, his potential, and what the future may hold for this rising star.
A Natural Disposition for Rugby
Williams' love for rugby began at a young age, and it's clear that he has a natural disposition for the sport. With his twin brothers, James and Zach, also playing rugby, it's safe to say that the Williams family has a strong rugby heritage. But it was Elliot who stood out, with his impressive size and physicality making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
A Multi-Sport Childhood
Williams' multi-sport childhood, where he played rugby, tennis, and football, helped to refine his skills and develop his all-around athletic ability. Despite some talent in tennis, with a 'big serve and forehand', he decided to put his head down and focus on rugby. This decision proved to be a wise one, as he went on to become a powerful blindside-cum lock, making a name for himself in the Prem's Academy League.
A Fast-Track to the Top
Williams' prodigious size saw him fast-tracked into the Harlequins match-day squad last season, where he turned out for the Quarters on a dozen occasions. At Twickenham for a Big Game against Bristol, he went viral after commentator Austin Healey questioned his age, but Williams took it all in stride, acknowledging that despite his gargantuan dimensions, there is far more to work on than just size.
A Learning Experience
Playing 80 minutes against Argentina and having to back it up with 80 minutes against South Africa was a tough learning experience for Williams. But the experience of the boys who'd played last year was massive, driving standards and helping to prepare the team for future challenges. Williams has been fortunate enough to share the dressing room with some legends of the game, including Joe Launchbury and Stephan Lewies, who have provided a blueprint for how to prepare like a professional.
A Breakthrough Season
Ahead of a breakthrough season, Williams is very much concentrating on the job at hand for the Red Rose, after an intense period in Georgia. He believes that the squad did prepare effectively between the Argentina and South Africa games, despite leading 20-12 at half-time, a red card for openside flanker Seb Kelly saw them ship 41 points in the second-half. Williams is proud of the team's efforts in adversity, and he's hungry to get back into the squad, ready to fight for his place.
A Bright Future
Williams' style of play, tough and uncompromising, won't hurt him as he vies for an England shirt in the years to come. In fact, he's already set the standard for himself, with his physicality and determination around the park. Before looking too far ahead, Williams must focus on giving those that will leave age-grade rugby, one final, winning, send-off. And with his L-plates still firmly attached as a professional rugby player, Williams isn't looking to venture far from The Stoop for now, where the club have made a decision on his future position.
In my opinion, Elliot Williams is a player to watch. With his impressive size, physicality, and determination, he has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the rugby world. But it's not just his natural disposition for the sport that makes him stand out; it's his work ethic, desire to improve, and ability to learn from his experiences. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, I'm sure we'll see him become a key player for his club and country, and a true rising star in the sport of rugby.
