FORMER Blackwood hooker and ex-Ebbw Vale Academy youngster Rhys Williams has been snapped up by Heineken Cup champions and Zurich Premiership champions Leicester in a shock swoop, writes Paul Tully.

He is one of three players to have been added to the Tigers' squad, the others French international prop Franck Tournaire and Munster scrum half Tom Tierney.

Leicester coach Dean Richards commented: "Rhys is a good player, Tom is international class and Franck is world class. I have enormous respect for all of them." The 22-year-old former Wales Schools, Wales Students and Wales Under-19 international is likely to be fighting for the No 2 hooker's berth at Welford Road.

Cardiff are set for a double blow with ex-Wales scrum half Rob Howley expected to join Wasps today and coach Rudy Joubert considering a move back to South Africa to coach Super 12 side Blue Bulls.