Paul Williams, The Chronicle Telegram Journalist Profile

Articles

'The kicking 10 is dead, long live the creative 10.'

3 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Paul Williams

David Attenborough estimates that out of the world’s eight million species of animals, one million are in danger of extinction. Well, you add one more species to that list of the damned and add the ‘kicking’ outside half. Or to be more precise the kicking/structured outside-half. Ever since the game went pro, the kicking/structured outside-half has been in high demand, to the detriment of the ‘creative’ 10.
'Cooperation, not blame': Welsh rugby must learn from Cardiff crisis

1 month ago | rugbypass.com | Paul Williams

Back 'Cooperation, not blame': Welsh rugby must learn from Cardiff crisis Copied to clipboard 0 10:24am, 15 April 2025 Welsh rugby has always loved the blame game. You could argue it loves the game of blame more than the game of rugby. Finger pointing is one of the core skills you need to survive here so when Cardiff Rugby entered administration last week, the pointy digits were out and poking in the direction of everyone who had ever glanced at a Gilbert size five.
Why Blair Kinghorn should be nailed on as the Lions starting 15

2 months ago | rugbypass.com | Paul Williams

In some ways the author of this column would rather state if he had a favourite child, or parent, than declare that he has a favourite starting Lions fullback. Ruining the confidence of your parents/offspring and destroying the dynamic of a loving family somehow feels like the sensible option when compared to the nuclear social media fallout of stating a preference for a particular player.
Is "New Coach Bounce" a thing in rugby? Paul Williams column

Mar 6, 2025 | rugbyworld.com | Paul Williams

As Matt Sherratt, Matt Jones and Joe Schmidt have all proven, a new manager bounce can help rugby teams in need ‘New Coach Bounce’ (NCB) may sound like a sub-genre of 1980s New York hip hop. But in the last month in rugby, particularly Welsh rugby, new coaches have certainly been bouncing. The NCB refers to the uplift in performance when a new coach, or coaching staff, arrive at a club or national set up.
Why Jac Morgan is a British and Irish Lions Test starter

Feb 18, 2025 | rugbypass.com | Paul Williams

“Jac Morgan’s a Lions starter” may sound like a lyric overlooked by Liam Howlett and The Prodigy, but much like the actual song ‘Firestarter’, the notion of Jac Morgan becoming a British & Irish Lion is also worth listening to. In fact, this column isn’t just suggesting he make the squad, but serious consideration should be given to him being a Test Lion. The author is Welsh, but hopefully the argument below will at least balance out any overt bias – ish.
Why the Six Nations should ignore promotion/relegation for the sake of Wales - Paul Williams column

Feb 10, 2025 | rugbyworld.com | Paul Williams

Rather than booting Wales from the Six Nations via promotion/relegation, Paul Williams argues for a Seven Nations with Georgia included All test teams lose the odd game. Some test teams go on the occasional five game losing streak. Very few go on 14-game losing streaks and when they do, the supporters require lead lined skin to deal with the fallout.
Thoughts On Concurrency

Feb 3, 2025 | medium.com | Paul Williams

Paul Williams·Follow5 min read·--My son-in-law is a master’s student in computer science. He’s going to be a great programmer because he’s constantly trying not just to fulfill the basic requirements, but because he’s also questioning the material and really trying hard to understand it. The other day, he was asking me about his assignment in OS class.
‘Like it or not, this Lions squad will be Irish. They deserve to dominate.’

Jan 16, 2025 | rugbypass.com | Paul Williams

The British and Irish Lions isn’t a participation event. It isn’t a parent and child egg-and-spoon race where everyone gets to have a go, and receives a medal. Whilst the Lions’ tour does of course involve an egg (in the shape of the ball), the comparison largely ends there. The tour is of course a rare example in professional sport of any kind. There are very few fixtures or tours where four nations who are traditionally at each other’s throats remove the larynx grab and extend a handshake.
‘Like or it not, this Lions squad will be Irish. They deserve to dominate.’

Jan 14, 2025 | rugbypass.com | Paul Williams

The British and Irish Lions isn’t a participation event. It isn’t a parent and child egg-and-spoon race where everyone gets to have a go, and receives a medal. Whilst the Lions’ tour does of course involve an egg (in the shape of the ball), the comparison largely ends there. The tour is of course a rare example in professional sport of any kind. There are very few fixtures or tours where four nations who are traditionally at each other’s throats remove the larynx grab and extend a handshake.
Freddie Steward at centre, a competitive Lions Tour and sorted Wales: Here is Paul Williams’ Rugby Wishlist for 2025

Jan 6, 2025 | rugbyworld.com | Paul Williams

Columnist Paul Williams gives us his rugby wishlist for 2025 including a competitive Lions tour and Wales getting their finances in order, obviously... A competitive Lions tour2025 is the year of the Lions. And as with Chinese’ new year’s traditions, the year of the Lion is hugely important to both the spiritual and financial health of rugby in Britain and Ireland.