The Wales and British and Irish Lion stated before the tournament that he would retire from international rugby after this year’s World Cup making this his final Six Nations.

Williams has scored 22 tries in 41 championship appearances including a record six during Wales ’ 2008 Grand Slam when he was also player of the tournament.

However after suffering knee ligament damage, the 34-year-old winger’s final Championship match might have been Wales’ controversial 19-13 win over Ireland .

“I have been talking to Shane in the last couple of weeks, and I hope that he has not played his last game in the Six Nations,” said Howley who played six times alongside Williams.

“We can only ask him the question, giving him the reasons why we think he should stay on.

“We will talk about the positive aspects of his game, the physical data and the way he is playing. You are a long time retired.

“I am sure there is plenty of fuel left in his tank. Any side in world rugby will miss Shane - we hope he changes his mind.

“The way his body is, he is still right up there with the top wings in world rugby.

“He is one of our quickest backs, if not the quickest.

“You can only compare Shane with the greats of the past like Gerald Davies and JJ Williams. He is world-class, just look at the tries he has scored. He is frightening.”