Richard Hibbard has extended his stay in English rugby as reports continue to link Liam Williams with a move to Saracens. Hibbard – first choice hooker the last time the Lions played a Test in 2013 – has signed a new two-year contract at Gloucester.

Liam Williams is a player in demand – and not just by the medical staff charged with getting him fit after an ankle injury that threatens his place for Wales against Australia on November 5. The Scarlets full-back is out of contract at the end of the season and his existing region, the Ospreys, plus a number of English and French clubs are keen to sign him. Wales have 16 players on national dual contracts and Williams could be the next. But @PhilBB believes the Welsh Rugby Union’s system is flawed.

Liam Williams, Jake Ball and George North are all injury concerns for Wales after a bruising weekend of European rugby. Williams suffered an ankle injury playing for the Scarlets in their Champions Cup defeat at Saracens – and left the stadium wearing a protective boot – whilst Ball injured his ribs in the same match.

Liam Williams wishes this season was not coming to a close, even though he admits it has been one of the worst he can remember. The Wales and Scarlets full-back could have just two more matches if his region fail to get back into the top four of the Guinness Pro12, having been there almost the entire season.

Liam Williams’ re-appearance for the Scarlets is like making a new signing, according to head coach Wayne Pivac. The Wales full-back will make his first start in front of Scarlets fans for almost a year when they host Glasgow Warriors on Saturday in a match vital to the region’s hopes of a Guinness Pro 12 play-off place.

Liam Williams wanted to be Freddie Flintoff or Roger Freestone when he was young – but he will settle for being namesake JPR Williams this weekend. The current Wales full-back has often been likened to the legendary sideburned figure of the seventies. It is less for his hallmark achievements – JPR played 11 times against England and never lost – but more for his eye-catching physical courage.