It’s one that the region’s interim director of rugby Nigel Davies hopes could shape the club’s next generation.
Fresh from retirement, former Wales and Lions international Williams has returned to Parc y Scarlets not as a player, but as a mentor, taking his first meaningful steps into coaching.
His focus has been on the back-three players, with particular attention given to rising prospect Callum Woolley, a 20-year-old winger whose rapid progress has already caught the eye.
For Nigel Davies, this arrangement is about recreating a transformation he witnessed first-hand.
Davies vividly recalls the raw teenager Williams once was and now wants that same journey replicated in others.
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He said: “I remember Liam as a 17-year-old long-haired hippie when he came in, a scrawny little lad, and he benefitted from the experience around him.”
That memory now underpins his belief that Williams can guide young players through a similar evolution.
Williams’ transition into coaching has come naturally. After asking to spend time within the camp, the opportunity quickly aligned with Scarlets’ desire to fast-track Woolley’s growth.
“Liam asked if he could come in and I thought it was an ideal opportunity, as he wants to get some experience in the coaching environment, to link him to Callum,” Davies explained.
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That connection has already shown promise. Woolley, who has impressed for Carmarthen Quins and earned Great Britain Sevens honours this season, is seen as a player on the brink of senior involvement.
“We’re trying to accelerate his development,” said Davies. “He’s somebody we’ll probably see in the next two or three games. He’s 6ft 4in and he’s one of the quickest in Wales. He is excellent. So what’s not to like?”
The wider context only strengthens the significance of Williams’ role.
The Scarlets believe they possess both depth and long-term potential in their backline, with Davies stating: “It is an area where we have a lot of depth, a lot of strength.
“ Our backline in particular will stay together for the next year or two at least, so it’s got a lot of growth in it.”
Within that environment, Williams’ influence is already being felt. “Liam has been great with him.
“It’s been great for both of them and I’m delighted with how that’s gone,” Davies added.
The former full-back brings considerable pedigree to the role, having scored 21 tries in 93 appearances for Wales and featured on two British & Irish Lions tours.
Williams began his professional career with the west Wales team - who he represented across two spells - and went on to have stints with Saracens, Cardiff, Japanese side Kubota Spears and finally Newcastle Red Bulls.
Scarlets will welcome back Wales centre Eddie James and international hookers Ryan Elias and Marnus van der Merwe for the URC derby against Cardiff in Llanelli on Saturday.
James has been sidelined since the Six Nations because of a shoulder issue, but is back in contention.
