Williams out to prove his worth again

JAMES Williams saw off the challenge of Virimi Vakatawa last season and having recovered from a shoulder injury now has the task of again making himself a fixture in Bristol's midfield where Benhard van Rensburg and Kalaveti Ravouvou have been creating havoc.

- PAUL REES

The 27-year old Williams has long been admired by his director of rugby Pat Lam, who has described him as the glue in the back division, but after making his first start for three months at Saracens last weekend he feels he has to prove himself again.

"It was my first proper injury and fortunately everything went smoothly," said Williams, who is qualified to play for England and Wales.

"I tackled Ted Hill in the corner against Bath and ruptured the pectoral tendon in my shoulder. I saved a try because a knock-on was given, although I thought he scored! "I had the operation in Cardiff and the surgeon was brilliant, as were the physios afterwards.

It took me 11 weeks to get back, which was quite quick, and having been frustrated to miss such a big part of the season when we played some brilliant rugby, it is great to be back.