Great Scott

Williams missed out on a regional contract with the Gwent Dragons and had been trying desperately to find a club for next season.

Following his superb performances for Wales Under-21s during this summer's World Cup, Williams had hoped a Newport contract would come his way.

But one never emerged and the Newport-born centre started to look abroad and across the border for a side to play for.

However, Newport finally signed up Williams who has admitted that a move away from Rodney Parade would have broken his heart.

"I never wanted to leave Newport," admitted Williams.

"I'm from Newport and have played for them for most of my life.

"But at the end of the day had they not offered me a contract then I may have had to go abroad to get one because I need to play rugby.

"I would have been devastated to move away but I'm delighted it hasn't come to that."

Williams, who was one of Wales' stars during the under-21 World Cup a couple of months ago, feels that it was his performances for the Principality that played a part in his securing a contract.

"I used the tournament to put myself in the shop window and it has worked out well," said Williams.

"I now want to concentrate on the season coming up. It's going to be a different structure to last season but at least it gives me another year to prove myself and hopefully make the step up to the regional side. That is obviously what I'm aiming for.

"We've got a decent side with some good players such as Chay Billen and I want to get as much out of it as possible."

Meanwhile, Newport coach Leigh Jones has confirmed that the Black and Ambers will play Bristol Shoguns in a pre-season friendly on August 15.

The game kicks off at 7.15pm and tickets are available from the club's ticket hotline. Season tickets for Newport are also on sale with the club having already sold almost 1,000.

Jones is also in the process of arranging a pre-season friendly against Blackwood on August 12, also at Rodney Parade.