The Wales scrum-half will seal a move to Kingsholm ahead of the 2024/25 season after more than a decade in the Welsh capital. And Cardiff head coach Sherratt believes the 29-year-old has earned the right to secure a switch away from his homeland.
“He’s a brilliant player, and he’s a Cardiff player. But he’s 29 years of age and he’s earned the right to look somewhere else to have a different experience in his career,” said Sherratt.
“He’ll always be welcome back here, he’s come through the ranks, through our age grade, and he’s been at the heart of a lot of big moments at the club. It’s been a pleasure for me to see him grow.
“He’s come through with the likes of Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Anscombe and Nick Williams. He was the young pup then, snapping at their heels.
“To see him now eight years on at 29, and let’s be honest, in a season where we’ve had a little bit of adversity, he’s shown the other side of his character. He’s stepped up and led the young boys.
“He’s someone you want in your dressing room if you’re up against it because he’s a competitor – he’ll fight for everything.”
Williams has won 53 Welsh caps – one short of surpassing the great Sir Gareth Edwards’ tally for a scrum half while he was playing at Cardiff. More importantly, his tally of 53 caps means he will remain eligible to play for his country when he links up with the Gloucester.
But the Treorchy-born back’s current focus lies firmly on helping Cardiff for the remainder of the season. And Sherratt is under no illusions that Williams will continue to give everything to the cause as Cardiff bid to turn their impressive performances into results over the final months of the campaign.
“He’s a big loss for the club, there’s no getting away from that. We wish him all the best and I know he’s going to finish well for us because he’s a good character,” added Sherratt.
Williams made his senior Cardiff debut as a replacement against Munster in 2013. He scored a pivotal try in an enthralling final against his future employers as Cardiff tasted European Challenge Cup glory in Bilbao in 2018.
Williams was also part of the Wales squads that enjoyed Six Nations success in 2019 and 2021 and has played at two World Cups.
