Harlequins winger Tom Williams has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who has made 214 appearances in a 13-year career with Quins, will join the coaching staff of the club’s academy.
It will mark a full circle in Williams’ career, having been one of the first graduates of the academy set-up.
He played a meteoric role in Harlequins’ rise from relegation in 2005 to European, Aviva Premiership and LV= Cup winners in recent years, scoring 65 tries in his career.
His most memorable came in the opening minutes of the 2012 Aviva Premiership Final and the following year he also went over in the LV= Cup final victory over Sale Sharks.
Williams represented England Sevens in 2004 and won the Hong Kong leg of the World Series.
Williams said: “I can look back on my career with Harlequins with immense pride.
“Winning the Premiership final and Nick Evans’ late, late drop goal against Stade Français are two of many memories that I will hold on to and treasure forever.
“I have had the incredible fortune to have played alongside some unbelievably talented players and to be able to call so many of them my friends is humbling.
“From my debut until my last game, I can’t express the excitement and pride I have felt every time I have pulled on the Harlequins jersey.
“For me, running onto the pitch at The Stoop in front of a full house is the thing I will miss the most.”
Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea added: “Tom is remaining proof that rugby doesn’t have to be about size – he has one of the best rugby brains there is.
“His ability to know where to stand in defence and his lines of running in attack remain an on-pitch rugby education to anyone.
“He has given some great memories to this club over an incredible career.
“He will be missed as a player but I know with his rugby intellect a fabulous coaching career awaits.”
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This post was last modified on 08/07/2015