Wales legend Shane Williams will return to the rugby field this weekend at the age of 49.

The former Wales winger is among a host of rugby names taking part in this year’s Match for Mental Health, with the charity fixture returning to Cardiff Arms Park to raise money and promote open conversations about mental wellbeing.

The match takes place on Friday 30 October, with kick-off at 7:30pm.

Former professional and international players will join grassroots clubs and supporters for an evening in aid of LooseHeadz and Tough Enough to Care.

Following its inaugural fixture in 2025, the event returns for a second year, with Josh Navidi and Scott Andrews involved as coaches.

Former players Marc Breeze, Olly Robinson, Sam Cross and Chris Czekaj will also take part.

The event aims to use rugby’s strong connection with Welsh communities to encourage people to speak openly about their struggles, seek support and understand that they are not alone.

As well as the action on the pitch, the fixture will highlight how clubs, teammates and supporters can help look after one another.

Williams is widely regarded as one of Wales’ greatest players.

He scored 58 tries in 87 international appearances and played a key role in Grand Slam victories in 2005 and 2008. His performances earned him the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2008.

He also toured with the British and Irish Lions on three occasions, scoring two tries in the decisive 2009 Test against South Africa.

Speaking to RUCK about his return to the field, Williams said: "I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a great opportunity to meet up with a couple of the guys I used to play with and against and raise awareness and money for a great charity and have a little run out on the Cardiff Arms Park again.

"It's great, my muscles, sinews and bones don't work like they used to, but I'm hoping they get through it on Friday!"

The 49-year-old also spoke about the importance of the event and its wider message.

“In rugby, we talk a lot about looking after your teammates on the pitch, but that responsibility shouldn’t stop at the final whistle.

"You don’t always know what someone is going through, and we want people to feel they can speak up without worrying about how they’ll be judged.

“That’s why I’m delighted to be involved in Match for Mental Health and support LooseHeadz and Tough Enough to Care.

"It’s a chance to bring people together for a great evening of rugby while sharing a message that matters: asking for help isn’t a weakness, and nobody should have to struggle on their own."

Shane Williams was speaking on behalf of LooseHeadz and Tough Enough to Care ahead of this Friday’s Match for Mental Health at Cardiff Arms Park.

Adult tickets cost £10, with free admission for children under 10. Tickets are available through Cardiff Rugby’s ticketing website.

Further information is available on the LooseHeadz event page.