Saints hooker Williams hoping to make parents’ day with win at Leicester

HORROR MOMENT - Matti Williams sustained a broken leg in the game against London Irish last April (picture: Linda Dawson)

The last time Williams’ family were in attendance - for his Premiership debut against London Irish last April - the hooker broke his leg.

It saw him face a lengthy road to recovery, but the 23-year-old made his return in an LV= Cup win at Scarlets in November.

And Williams is now eager to put on a good show for his parents when they head to Welford Road to watch Saturday’s LV= Cup clash with Leicester Tigers.

“When I broke my leg it was my parents’ first game watching me so it wasn’t great for them,” Williams said. “But it happens and I think it’s made me stronger.

“It wasn’t great what happened last April but it’s just part of the game. It was a freak injury.

“My parents are back for this weekend’s game so hopefully we can get the win.”

Williams, who sought solace in films and his Xbox during his spell on the sidelines, was given plenty of support.

As well as receiving an abundance of messages from supporters, his team-mates also rallied round, with Alex Corbisiero, who has had his own injury issues, a particularly big influence.

“Corbs came and visited me when I was still in hospital after my operation and he had a few words to say to me,” said Williams.

“He’s been there with his injuries so it’s always good to have guys like that around you.

“The support I’ve had from the fans has been phenomenal and the conditioning staff and physios have really worked hard with me to get me to where I am now.

“Hopefully I’ve got a long career ahead of me and all of my injuries out of the way.”

With Ross McMillan having made the move to Bristol this week, Williams is now a firm third choice - behind Dylan Hartley and Mike Haywood - in the Saints pecking order.

And the South African is hoping to stake his claim to rise up the ranks in Saturday’s LV= Cup showdown.

And Williams said: “It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.

“Every time I put on a Saints shirt it’s special so for me I just love playing, wherever it is: back pitches, Welford Road, wherever.”