The big names still without clubs as the new season beckons

WITH the 2024/25 campaign in the rearview mirror, there is exactly two months until both the United Rugby Championship and the Gallagher Premiership seasons kickoff.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

There is even less time until the domestic season begins in France, with the vast majority of professional clubs well into their preseason training block, although those who have been playing international rugby this summer will obviously start later.

Most clubs have completed their contracting for the 2025/26 season by now but there will undoubtedly be scope to add the odd player as the new campaign approaches.

With that in mind there remain a handful of Welsh players who are without a club heading into the new season.

LIAM WILLIAMS

The 34-year-old has been out of action since sustaining a knee injury in Wales’ opening round Six Nations defeat to France in Paris.

Williams departed Saracens at the end of the season and is currently on the lookout for a new club.

According to Rugby-Pass, Williams’ CV has been doing the rounds of a number of French Pro D2 clubs, while there are also rumours he could join third division club Stade Nicois Rugby, who have wealthy owners.

Could Saracens offer Williams an extension to cover Elliot Daly who broke his forearm playing for the British & Irish Lions?

Williams’ best days are behind him but he is still a high-class player with significant experience.

REGAN GRACE

The 28-year-old has endured a horrible time with injuries since switching to rugby union from Super League giants St Helens.

Grace signed for French giants Racing 92 in 2022 but ruptured his Achilles playing for St Helens.