The 57 cap star will move from the Scarlets across the Loughor Bridge to the Ospreys for next season after 11 years in Llanelli. The 27-year-old felt it was time for a new challenge after starring in the West Walians’ PRO12 triumph in 2017 and their impressive two-pronged European and domestic run last season.
But despite being the subject of offers from English and French clubs, the Newcastle Emlyn product was determined to stay in Wales and battle it out with the other backline contenders.
“Moving from the Scarlets to the Ospreys did play on my mind, but if I want to play for Wales I have to stay in Wales,” Williams said. “If I was to move abroad I would be giving up my Wales career which is something I don’t want to do.
“You have thoughts all the time about whether you have made the right decision, but I am going to the Ospreys next season where things will hopefully be better.”
Williams will join Wales colleagues George North and Aled Davies at the Liberty Stadium next season. And he hopes his winning pedigree can bring silverware back to the region for the first time since their league triumph in 2012.
“I know things weren’t great at the Ospreys last season, but it will be a new season coming up so you never know what will happen,” he added.
“There were a number of reasons why I left the Scarlets. I felt like it was time to try something new. I am definitely going to miss all the boys at the Scarlets because what we had there was special.
“Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to, but maybe I will be winning silverware with the Ospreys next season.”
