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Rugby Union

Gatland champions Williams' bid for 2011 World Cup berth

15/04/2008

Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland has expressed his belief that veteran flanker Martyn Williams can play at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

The 32-year-old has 81 caps to his name in a star-studded international career so far and recently came out of retirement to play a major part in Wales' Six Nations grand slam-winning team this spring.

Williams formally retired from international rugby following a disappointing campaign at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, which saw Wales knocked out at the pool stage by Fiji.

But he was persuaded to return to the fold by new coach Gatland, who has now suggested the Cardiff Blues star could continue until 2011 when he will be 36.

"I don't think age should be a barrier," said Gatland.

"His form is outstanding and if we look after him well enough I think we can get him through to the 2011 World Cup."

He continued: "It will be about careful management of him by ourselves and the Blues over that period.

"During that period another young number seven, or more than one, will come through and put him under pressure.

"Players of 34 or 35 can still have a big contribution. We saw that in 2003 and last year's World Cup when a number of teams had players in their 30s."

Williams scored the final try of Wales' recent Six Nations campaign, sealing a 29-12 victory over France at the Millennium Stadium in March - their fifth win out of five in the competition.