Cardiff announce signing of Wales international Liam Williams

Cardiff Rugby have announced the signing of Wales international Liam Williams from rivals Scarlets ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The 30-year-old will follow the likes of Thomas Young and Taulupe Faletau, who have been signed by the Welsh province for the next season.

Williams started his professional rugby career with provincial side Llanelli RFC and went on to feature for Scarlets in 2011. He made a switch to Saracens in 2017 making 31 appearances for them before returning back to Scarlets. Overall, he has gone on to play 115 times for the Welsh province spread across two stints.

“I’m really excited to link up with Cardiff in the summer but remain very grateful to the Scarlets, who have given me so many opportunities in the game, and I’m fully committed to them for the rest of the season," he told the club's official website.

“I have lots of fond memories there but, at this stage of my career, I feel I need a change of scenery and environment to ensure I can stay at the top of my game.

“Cardiff have really impressed me recently and it feels like they are building something special. I have a lot of good friends there from the Wales squad and they cannot talk highly enough of the environment and Dai Young has convinced me that Cardiff is the best place for me to further my career.

“They have an enormous amount of talent in the squad, complimented by some really exciting young players, and the competition for places will be fierce but I am looking forward to playing my part and I am excited to see what we can achieve.”

He has been equally important on the international stage, scoring 16 tries in 72 Tests for Wales, where he has featured in two Rugby World Cups and won a Six Nations Grand Slam, while he has twice toured with the Lions, earning five Test caps.

Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young is delighted in securing the services of Williams.

“We are all really excited to have signed Liam and look forward to welcoming him to Cardiff next season.

“We knew we had an opening at full-back and Liam’s talent and consistency is abundant for all to see. He has been one of the best full-backs in the world for a number of years and brings real quality on both sides of the ball with his attacking ability, kicking game, positioning and bravery.

“He adds further strength and experience to our squad and will not only strengthen us on the pitch but will be a key role model and leader for some of the young talent coming through in the back three."