Scarlets fly-half Owen Williams has agreed to join Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.
21-year-old Williams has made seven appearances for the Scarlets in the PRO12 and LV= Cup this season. He is the second fly-half recruited by Leicester for next term, following last month's signature of Northampton pivot Ryan Lamb.
Scarlets coach Simon Easterby regrets the departure of the Wales U20 international, who is in the final year of a development contract with the region.
"Owen Williams has been on our development pathway for a number of years and is another example of a young player we have invested in and that has progressed well within our system - highlighted by his involvement with the senior squad this season," Easterby told the BBC.
"We had fully expected him to continue on that journey with us following the significant commitment this region has made in developing his rugby skills and experience to date.
"However, sometimes performances on the bigger stages bring with it additional attention from outside our group and he, along with his agent, have made his decision to move to England at this time at the end of his development contract with us."
"He is a young Welsh player with a lot to experience and prove.
"In making this decision, we sincerely hope he gains from his time at a Premiership club."
Comments
lawynd says...
Cheers for the info, westisbest.
Posted 15:56 11th March 2013
ironmanI441 says...
This is a good signing by Leicester. I think Toby Flood is in the later stages of his career as a starter at Leicester and they are looking to the future, which used to be George Ford until he got tired of sitting behind Flood and is coming to Bath. I think Ryan Lamb will probably be the number 2 behind Flood with Williams being the future project, getting game time during international periods and in the non Euro cups. He has looked like a younger Freddie Burns type player in the 3 games I have seen him in this year.
Posted 10:54 11th March 2013
GoWalesGo says...
Well he'll be playing in front of a pack that is going forwards most if not all the time with the Tigers so that should help with his confidence and development, unlike Shingler at London Irish (what was he thinking?).
Posted 06:25 11th March 2013
lawynd says...
@NHsaints - unlike Northampton, Leicester tend to get the best out of the players they sign, and play a game that actually requires their pivot to do something other than kick goals...good luck next season without any actual decent props!
Posted 18:57 10th March 2013
westisbest says...
lawynd.
Owen Williams is highly thought of at the Scarlets and has put in some composed performances this season. He is a compentent goal kicker especially from long range. Easterby was said to be "very disappointed" to lose this kid, whcih says everything. I fully expect him to push on and really challenge Toby Flood next season.
Posted 17:47 10th March 2013
NHsaints says...
hahaha, Leicester have signed RYAN LAMB :') good luck to them, they'll need it...
Posted 17:14 10th March 2013
lawynd says...
Anyone at Scarlets have an opinion on this lad? I've not seen enough of your games this season unfortunately.
Posted 13:31 09th March 2013