From the back row to the front, from The Obs to the English Championship, from regional apprentice to experienced veteran.

It’s fair to say that Nathan ‘Gully’ Williams travelled some miles in his career, both literally and metaphorically.

And yet despite the scrutiny and frenzy that surrounds modern day rugby in Wales, both for better and for worse, his retirement this month was one that went largely unnoticed in national media circles.

But then again, the 34-year-old’s time as a professional was rarely tagged by headlines and fascination – and I mean that as a compliment. He was a solid, consistent performer, who ultimately proved his worth at international level as a youngster, then later at both semi pro and regional level in Wales, and just as significantly, in the Championship in England.

His achievements have always been more underrated, than they ever were overstated.

He will stay in the game at grassroots level next season by taking charge of Milford Haven in Division Three West A, but insists his boots were hung up for good on May 12th when he rounded off his time at Carmarthen Quins by helping them to an 18-14 win over Neath at The Park.

“It was an emotional day but also a great one,” said Williams.

“To have my kids run out with me with my family there supporting was fantastic.”

But his send off doesn’t even begin to tell his rugby story – that started out as a rampaging No 8 in School and junior sides in Milford.

A standout season at under 15 level, where he was instrumental as the Pembrokeshire Schools side reached a Dewar Shield semi-final, alerted national selectors. But their interest came with a caveat.

Williams was duly told his future lay in the front row, and a transition to tighthead prop promptly followed.

It didn’t curtail his progress – as he went on to play for Wales numerous times at age group level, before joining the Scarlets as an apprentice and making his mark for both the regional side and Llanelli RFC in the Premiership.

Amongst other clubs, stints at Narberth RFC, Moseley, and back in Wales with the Dragons followed, before opting to conclude his career in Carmarthen.

And refreshingly, he reflects with gratitude to every side whose jersey he wore.

“I’ve played for a lot of clubs throughout my career and don’t have to bad word to say about any of them,” he said with sincerity.

“Moseley was great, a proper old school club with good people running it. I played some of my best rugby there and thoroughly enjoyed my time in what was an underrated English Championship.

“The Dragons is when I played at my highest level and with it being fully professional it was an environment I loved. Narberth were also a good semi pro club run by the right people but I feel Carmarthen Quins is a club very close to success. The infrastructure from the committee down to the players is solid and everyone is pushing in the same direction.

“I wish all my past clubs every success in the future.”

And nor does he regret taking the brave decision to leave Stradey Park for the Lewis Lloyd Memorial Ground (Narberth) at the age of 20, despite his involvement in the regional set-up.

“I left the Scarlets as my game time became limited and opportunities didn’t look like improving. I had a great time there but I think I made the right decision.”

And it was after joining Moseley as both a professional rugby player and a community coach, that his career really reignited.

A four year stint that saw him make more than 100 appearances for the club, winning their 2007/08 Players’ Player of the Season award and representing them in the Birmingham Post's Midlands Select XV, earned him a second shot at regional rugby as he moved to Rodney Parade.

But throughout, one call never came.

I suggested, given the nature in which caps have been handed out far and wide at international level this past decade, that there may be lingering frustration his name was never mentioned in relation to a full Welsh call up. He was after all, capped at Schools, 16s, 17s, 18s and 19s level.

It’s a notion he humbly refutes.

“In hindsight I was never good enough to play senior rugby for Wales.

“Sure, there was times when I was playing against the internationals and holding my own - but I was never consistently at that level.”

Speaking of consistency, it’s probably an ironic word when Williams compares the dynamics of the professional game he entered to the one he left. The days when props especially were confined to specific roles, with the odd glitch in diet and conditioning overlooked, are long gone.

“The game has changed dramatically since my academy days,” he admits.

“Laws have changed annually - not always for the better but one thing that has improved is player welfare and how clubs look after lads. Whether that be integration into work after rugby, or rest and recovery on an individual basis.

“As far as front row play goes I started out against horrible men who were in the team for two reasons - to scrummage and to hurt. But these days props are all-rounders – they tackle, scrummage, carry, lift, cheat, and fitness levels must be high. It’s all part of the job description and that’s why I retired.”

The last line was obviously meant in jest. His gratitude to all who helped him is not.

“I have lots of people to thank - all the players I’ve played with and against, the coaches who have developed my game but most importantly my family for their support along the way.

“My mum and dad made a lot of sacrifices for me and also my wife Claire and kids Olivia and Albi have been so patient throughout this journey.”

A journey he now insists from a playing point of view at least, is over.

But we all know how this goes don’t we? The former professional is involved with a team who have only 14 available one wet and windy Saturday morning. One prop’s injured, another hungover, and the usual replacements are away on a stag do. What happens next?

Unsurprisingly, I’m not the first to put this to him. I dare say I won’t be the last either.

“This question is being asked too often,” he says in a tone that hints I probably shouldn’t have added to that.

“I’ve hung my boots up with no intention of playing again.

“My future challenges will be in the development of other players at Milford Haven RFC and that’s where my efforts will be channeled.”

That intention will only serve to benefit The Mariners and Pembrokeshire rugby. And if ‘Gully’ goes about his coaching in the same manner he went about his playing career – then expect hard work with the minimum of fuss.

And of course, regardless of the recognition involved, consistent high levels of performance.