Ben Williams

Welsh flanker Ben Williams has carved out a role at the Scarlets as an openside built for the breakdown battle. Born on 23 April 2002, Williams belongs to the younger group of back-rowers developing within the region, and his game is defined by work rate, tackling and a desire to compete for turnover ball. As an openside, his primary job is to be a nuisance at the contact area — first to the ruck, aggressive over the ball and quick to pressure opposition possession. That breakdown focus is complemented by a willingness to get through defensive work and to provide a link between the forwards and the backs in open play. Williams's profile is that of a busy, high-involvement loose forward who looks to influence matches through volume of effort rather than through size. Still in the developmental phase of his career, he is working to establish himself as a regular within a competitive Scarlets back row, where consistency and physical edge are the currency of selection. The foundations of his game — breakdown craft, sound tackling and relentless work — give him a clear identity. As he matures, Williams profiles as a promising openside whose ceiling will be shaped by the responsibility and game time he earns at regional level.