Williams is likely to be among several Wales players named in the Lions squad next month.

Newly-crowned RBS 6 Nations champions Ireland will also provide a sizeable contingent after ending their 61-year wait for Grand Slam glory by beating Wales 17-15 in a Millennium Stadium thriller.

“Rugby in Britain and Ireland is probably the strongest it has ever been,” said Wales wing Williams.

“We’ve got some great players and some great teams and it is going to be a difficult selection process.

“The rugby is strong - and it is going to have to be to go to South Africa and play the world champions in their back yard.

“I would love to be a part of it. There are a few games left with the Ospreys and we will have to wait and see. It’s an anxious time for a lot of the boys.

“Hopefully, there will be a lot of players from Wales and Ireland going on the tour.

“The Lions is wide open. There are a lot of boys in the championship who have hit form at the right time and they will be putting their hands up for this tour.

“No-one’s place is guaranteed as yet and we are just going to have to wait and see. It is completely out of the players’ hands.”

But, while the Irish enjoyed a jubilant homecoming party in Dublin yesterday, Wales were left to reflect on a fourth-place finish.

It is the seventh time in 10 seasons that Wales, unbeaten champions last year, have finished outside the tournament’s top three.