The Ospreys and Wales diminutive winger has amassed 87 caps for Wales and 4 caps for the British Lions. He is the record try scorer for the Wales national team and is also third highest scorer of international Test tries behind Daisuke Ohata of Japan and David Campese of Australia.

When Shane is on the rugby field expectations sky rocket. Unfortunately today the movement of the ball along the three-quarter line to the wing is often hindered by the defensive and offensive work of the forwards. However, when the ball does get to the wing and Shane Williams is there to receive it then sparks will fly. The master of the side-step, seeing the opening in the opposition defence and then accelerating away is a sight to behold. Shane Williams touch-down in his last international game against the Australians underlined the expertise and sheer theatre of the game of rugby.

We will miss Shane Williams on the international scene but hope he will continue to display his skills with his club Ospreys.

24 October:  Once again the French miss out on the William Webb Ellis trophy, possibly better known as the Rugby World Cup although the Australians call it “Bill”! France has been runner up more than any other rugby nation. Every 12 years since the inauguration of the World Cup in 1987 France have had the chance of getting their name on “Bill,” but this is the closest they've ever been and you couldn't get much closer. No one thought they had a chance after losing to lowly Tonga 14 – 19 and losing heavily to New Zealand 17 – 37 in the pool matches. France have always been known for their three-quarter line flair which clicks into gear it seems when they feel like it! And yet during this World Cup their forwards were exceptional, battling the mighty forces of Wales and finally New Zealand. You could say that in crucial games right from the quarter-finals through to the final it has been a case of failed penalties that brought about the dramatic final result where one point separated the runner-up France from the conquering hero New Zealand 7 - 8.

The Red Rose is kept and this will be scattered with ancient Maori symbols and decorations over the black strip in celebration of the World Cup being held in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Rugby Union have said that they have no qualms with England wearing the strip in spite of the similarity in basic colour to the all-black strip of the New Zealand team. And according to the Rugby Football Union (England) they feel confident that the host nation's fans will not be offended by England wearing an all-black strip. It seems that little thought has been given to the feelings and attitude of English rugby fans who surely must feel that losing the nostalgic touch of the white strip is a strip too far!

The All Black winger Jonah Lomu has become the latest New Zealander to denounce England's new black shirt, saying the decision leaves him 'dumbfounded.' New Zealander Prime Minister John Key dubbed the England team 'a bunch of wannabes.' He went on to state, 'there's only one team that wears black with pride and that's the All Blacks.'

One wonders whether the increased revenue likely through sale of jerseys is the bottom line to such an extraordinary decision by the Rugby Football Union.