Rhys Williams became an internet sensation in 2020 after a video of him scoring for Salford Red Devils went viral - with the Welshman now calling time on his career
Fans thought Rhys Williams looked exactly like Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
Fans thought Rhys Williams looked exactly like Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
A player who has seen himself dubbed 'the Mo Salah' of rugby' has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 35. Rhys Williams, a Wales rugby league international, became an internet sensation in 2020 when a video of him scoring for Salford Red Devils went viral, amassing over 50 million views.
The North Walian speedster was sporting a striking long hair style in the famous clip, and footage of him scoring led to fans calling him the 'Mo Salah of rugby', with a beard to match the look. Not only was the physical resemblance spot on, but both athletes have electric pace - something which was on show in Williams' superb viral try in the Super League.
Williams, who plays for Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Championship, says "it's been one hell of a journey". He is the top-scorer scorer at Vikings, with 12 tries in 16 appearances this season.
"After a lot of thought, the time has come to hang up the boots," he says. "Rugby has given me more than I could ever have imagined: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the privilege of representing my country alongside some incredible blokes and coaches.
"To every coach and player I've had the honour of working with, thank you for shaping me on and off the field. To my family and friends, thank you for your endless support on the rollercoaster that is rugby league, and to my wife, I couldn't have done this without you.
"Your support and sacrifice means the world to me, and I can't wait to spend more time with you and Reina. It's been one hell of a journey, and I'm truly grateful for every step of it."
Williams pulled on the Welsh shirt at international level, becoming their most-capped rugby league representative when he took on France in 2022. On the domestic front, he clocked up more than 350 senior matches.
This is Rhys Williams, the 'Mo Salah of rugby'.
This is Rhys Williams, the 'Mo Salah of rugby'.(Image: (Photo by Pat Elmont/Getty Images for Rugby League World Cup))
Beyond his remarkable career at the sport's elite level, Williams found himself in the limelight after his viral Salah moment. The Welsh legend looked back on his unexpected stardom five years ago.
"It's been a very strange and my phone was lit up for a week," said Williams in 2020.
"I started getting the Mo Salah comments when I grew my hair at London Broncos last year so that's nothing new. Last season I could hear Blake Austin at Warrington calling me Mo on the field. It had died down a bit with the lads, but now it's gone right up again. It was great for the club to get some exposure from it all."
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah.(Image: (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images))
The clip has been circulated countless times on social media, with exact viewing numbers for this internet sensation unclear, though when the footage first went viral online, it racked up more than 55 million views. Check out the footage below.
Williams racked up a total of 38 caps for Wales and appeared at four World Cups. As well as being the most-capped at international level, he also bagged 24 tries during his career.
He received a special tribute to his achievements during Vikings' Monday night loss to London Broncos. Prior to kick-off, both sides formed a guard of honour for Williams and his teammate Rhodri Lloyd, who also revealed his retirement.
Vikings Head Coach, Allan Coleman, expressed: "It's been absolutely fantastic to work with Rhys this season, he's been a model professional. He leads by example and has really set the standards in our group this season. We can't thank him enough; he deserves a massive send-off today alongside Rhodri Lloyd. We wish him all the best for the future."