Wales back Owen Williams moves to Worcester

The 29-year-old fly-half/centre will head to Sixways next season from Japanese club Red Hurricanes.

The former Leicester and Gloucester playmaker made his Wales debut against Tonga in 2017 and has won four caps but opted to put his Test career on hold when moving to Japan.

Williams, who was due to play against Ireland in the 2020 Six Nations only to suffer an injury in the warm-up, has not got the 60 caps required to be eligible if playing outside of Wales.

That will continue at Worcester where he will work under former Ospreys and Wales forward Jonathan Thomas.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to join up with Worcester Warriors for next season," he said.

"After speaking with JT, it is clear that he has a clear understanding and vision for the rugby side of the club and has made some exciting signings to supplement what is already a competitive squad.

"I am really looking forward to playing in the Premiership again and joining up with my new team-mates in the summer."

Wales' Owen Williams is tackled by New Zealand's Beauden Barrett, Sam Cane and Codie Taylor during the Autumn International at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday November 25, 2017. See PA story RUGBYU

Williams, from Ystradgynlais, moved to Leicester after catching the eye with the Scarlets before moving to Kingsholm on a bumper deal.

Former Dragons boss Bernard Jackman looked into signing playmaker Williams, dangling the carrot of Test rugby.

However, a move never materialised and now the Rodney Parade region are not so desperate for a fly-half/centre.

The signed Sam Davies from the Ospreys in 2019 and have plenty of options at 12, with up-and-coming Aneurin Owen making a big impression under the tutelage of former Lion Jamie Roberts.

Williams will instead look to turn around the fortunes of a Worcester team who are propping up the Premiership, but who won't face relegation.

"In our recruitment we are looking for quality players but also quality people and good leaders," said head coach Thomas.

"I have not worked with Owen before but a lot of people who have speak very highly of him.

"He's an experienced player now and he is very good at driving messages, team culture and standards.

"He's a huge signing for the club. He's in Japan at the moment but he has a lot of Premiership experience from his time with Leicester and Gloucester. His versatility, with his ability to play at ten or 12, gives us good balance."

Williams will arrive in the summer along with former Wales and Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin, who has been in fine form for Harlequins.