Wales star Liam Williams in talks over a transfer back home one year after his move to Japan… as Dragons pursue deal for 33-year-old

Wales star Liam Williams is in talks over a transfer back to his homeland from Japan, with the Dragons working on a deal to sign the two-time British & Irish Lion.

The 33-year-old is currently contracted to Kuboto Spears after leaving Cardiff for a move to the Far East following last year’s World Cup in France.

Williams’ switch to Kuboto saw him miss the 2024 Six Nations, but he did return to the international squad for Warren Gatland’s Welsh team in July’s games against Australia.

Last season Williams spent long periods travelling between his home in Wales and Japan to play for Kuboto.

Mail Sport understands that Williams, while enjoying his time with Japan Rugby League One, is keen to return home, especially as he is expecting his first child with wife Sophie, who he has spent much of his time apart from over the past 12 months.

The Dragons, led by Dai Flanagan, are looking to do a deal for the player.

Although no deal has been officially reached yet, positive talks are said to have taken place in the past week and there is a good chance that Williams will sign.

Williams and Flanagan have previously worked together at the Scarlets and for the Wales national team and so know each other well.

The Dragons are the third of four professional Welsh teams that Williams plays for.

He began his career at Scarlets, before moving to English giants Saracens – where he won Premier League and European titles – and then Cardiff.

Williams is in the twilight of his career but a move to the Dragons would be a huge boost for them and also for Wales head coach Gatland, given the player’s experience and undoubted quality. He has 92 caps for Wales, has played at three World Cups and won Test caps for the Lions, both in New Zealand in 2017 and against South Africa four years later.

Williams will no doubt be eyeing the idea of ​​joining the famous Welsh club, who have already played 100 caps, as a potential suitor for the coming year.

Last week, the Welsh Rugby Union used Williams as a central figure in their kit launches for the 2024-25 season, suggesting the player is likely to be a key presence for Gatland going forward. Wales and Gatland have endured a difficult last 12 months.

After a number of Williams’ long-time colleagues retired, the team has dropped to 11th in the World Rugby rankings ahead of the autumn matches against Fiji, Australia and South Africa.

The Dragons hope Williams’ international expertise can help them move higher up the United Rugby Championship rankings when the new season starts this month.

Williams is unlikely to be the only new arrival at the Dragons, with Flanagan also set to sign a player from Argentina Under-20 to bolster his squad.