Elliot Williams and his England U20 teammates felt a sting after their recent match against South Africa, propelling them to seek redemption. "A few of us were a bit annoyed after the South Africa game. We want to right those wrongs," Williams expressed, aiming to channel this frustration positively in upcoming games.
Williams, who hails from a sports-oriented family, has embraced rugby passionately. The 19-year-old, towering at 6ft 6ins and weighing 123 kilograms, has evolved from a multi-sport athlete to a focused rugby player, catching attention at the Harlequins after a stellar season.
"It was all good fun, a bit of a laugh, but I definitely got a lot of sh*t for that one," said Williams, recalling a moment when commentator Austin Healey openly doubted his age due to his imposing stature during a game that went viral.
Despite his physical advantages, Williams knows there's more to his game than just size. "Quins are happy with me around that 120 [kilogram] mark but it’s more about being quicker and more powerful while maintaining the same weight," he noted, adding that he's diligently working on enhancing his abilities through structured gym programs.
"I can't say I'm one of the gym 'big dogs' just yet but my numbers have gone up quite a bit this year thanks to a full-time professional rugby contract and doing proper structured programmes four or five times a week at the gym. I’m still filling out."
The recent matches at the Junior World Championship tested the team's resilience. A challenging five-day turnaround pitted them against Argentina and then South Africa, a game marked by a red card that saw England conceding a painful 53-37 after leading at halftime.
Williams reflects on the melee that led to teammate Seb Kelly’s suspension: "Seb's going to learn from it. It was a mistake and he’s not going to do it again. He is not a bad bloke and I don’t think anyone blames him. It was a bad decision in the heat of battle." Kelly has since been supportive, helping prepare the team for subsequent challenges, demonstrating his commitment to redemption.
Looking forward, Williams is balancing the prospects of further education with his rugby career. He's considering a Level 2 coaching degree to give back to the sport that has shaped his young life. Meanwhile, he remains dedicated to securing his place at Harlequins and eventually, the England national team.
Williams's blend of humility, ambition, and raw power paints the picture of a player eager to leave his mark on the rugby world. With role models and high standards set before him, his trajectory seems poised for impressive heights, underscored by a deep respect for the game and its community.
As the young lock continues to develop, his journey will be one to watch, potentially inspiring the next generation of rugby players emerging from the local clubs to the international arenas.
