FORMER RGC star Rhun Williams has been forced to bring his career to an early halt through injury.

The talented back opted to retire following significant neck concerns suffered two years ago, with the Cardiff Blues player unable to make a full recovery after a prolonged period of rehabilitation.

He suffered the injury playing in a Guinness PRO14 clash against Zebra in February 2018 and it brings to an end a career of great promise.

Williams came through the Caernarfon Rugby Club youth ranks before earning a place on the RGC Academy system at Coleg Llandrillo.

This saw him develop his skills considerably, which saw Williams achieve national honours with the Wales U20 squad and starred in their Grand Slam Six Nations triumph.

The full-back also trained with the senior squad in 2016 and looked poised for a full cap when he was included in the squad for summer tests against Samoa and Tonga in 2017.

He was ruled out with an ankle injury shortly before the squad were due to travel, but Williams was awarded his first professional contract with the Blues once he got over his injury problem.

Williams enjoyed a prolonged run in the side before his career-ending injury, making 15 appearances for the Blues until he fell awkwardly after making a try-saving tackle.

This resulted in the player sustaining nerve damage to the neck and shoulder area, leaving him unable to take contact or lift weights for a six-month period.

A long period of rehabilitation saw Williams optimistic of returning to the field, but after his latest medical assessment he has now decided to call it a day aged 22.

Speaking to the BBC, Williams said: “I have done everything I can to get back but unfortunately that's the specialist's advice.

"I'm disappointed to be given the news that I will be unable to return to rugby.

"I'm very grateful for all the support I have had from everyone at Cardiff Blues during the last two years, but particularly the physios and medical department, Phil Davies from the WRPA and my teammates who have been superb."