Nathan Williams – A much travelled Mariner!

 
Nathan Williams has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a much-travelled rugby player after setting out in his home town of Milford Haven, where he played for Wales at under 16 level before following up at under 18, 19 and 21 levels.
 
After a rugby scholarship at Llandovery College he played for Llanelli, Narberth and Carmarthen Quins - had four seasons with Moseley in the English set-up before returning to Wales to play for The Dragons before finishing his playing days back at Milford Haven RFC, and then coaching The Mariners before deciding it was time he took a break to spend more time with his wife Claire, plus children Olivia and Albie.
 
Nathan, who is known to all as ‘Gully’ started out his rugby at Milford Haven School, where his Head of Year for five years was an ‘Old Fogey’ named Mr Carne - and he played at No 8 for the county throughout the under 11 to under 16 levels.
 

Thrilled to play for Wales – and then off to Narberth

 
“I was thrilled to be picked for Wales, where I was switched to prop and played against England (twice), Italy and Portugal, winning them all - and although we only had one cap I was allowed to keep my jerseys and presented one to Jimmy Yeomans for his support, had one framed alongside my cap, and the other two are still with my parents Alan and Debbie, who have been immense with their support.
 
“After my rugby apprenticeship with The Scarlets I played there for a short while but didn’t enjoy being a semi-professional and joined Narberth, where the players and supporters were great and I was the ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ and we beat Whitland in the KO Cup Final.
 

Tough going at Moseley

 
“I had a season with Carmarthen Quins at a higher level to keep learning and then played again for The Otters, as well as Wales through the age ranges - and then out of the blue I was offered a trial with Moseley and coaches Ian Smith and Dan Caskie offered me a contract.
 
“When we started out I couldn’t believe how tough the training was but we needed it as we played clubs of the calibre of Exeter Chiefs, Leeds, London Welsh, Plymouth and Cornish Pirates, and an undoubted highlight was playing in the EFC Energy Cup Final at Twickenham in front of 10,000 fans - and after beating Exeter as rank outsiders we celebrated all weekend in London!
 
“I really enjoyed it there and my name appeared twice  in the ‘Birmingham Post’ as they picked a select team from The Midlands!”



 

And finally . . .

Then he decided it was time to be nearer home and he finished off his career back in Carmarthen Quins and Narberth - before playing a few games for Milford Haven and getting current head coach Steve Martin to join him.
 
To finish off, Nathan told us,
“I thoroughly enjoyed it but I’m glad to have a bit of spare time again - and would like to say to all the boys and girls playing today,
‘Enjoy yourselves but always try to give of your best and believe in yourself. There will be ups and downs but just take part - and you’ll make many friends, as I have done!’”