Worcester sign Wales international Owen Williams

Worcester Warriors have confirmed the signing of Wales international fly-half Owen Williams who will arrive at Sixways ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Williams will join Warriors from Japanese club Red Hurricanes and will bring seven years of Gallagher Premiership experience with him having played for Leicester Tigers between 2013 and 2017 and for Gloucester Rugby until the end of last season.

The 29-year-old won four international caps, all in 2013, which included a try in the win over Tonga in Cardiff. He was recalled by Wales for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match against Ireland and was named as a replacement before he was injured in the warm-up and forced to withdraw.

Williams, who can also play at centre, will also link up again with his former Gloucester half-back partner Willi Heinz, the former England scrum-half, who has also been recruited by Warriors for next season.

“In our recruitment we are looking for quality players but also quality people and good leaders,” said Warriors Head Coach Jonathan 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.

“There is also a natural connection and combination with Owen and Willi. They know each other well so there is a chemistry there.”

Williams, who started his career with Llanelli before representing Scarlets, is looking forward to returning to the Premiership.

“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. “

Williams is the fifth international to be signed by Warriors for next season following Heinz, Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Wales hooker Scott Baldwin (Harlequins) and Tonga number eight Sione Vailanu (Wasps).

Warriors have also recruited tighthead prop Christian Judge and scrum-half Will Chudley from Bath Rugby and tighthead prop Jack Owlett from Wasps with back-row forward Kyle Hatherell having already arrived from Jersey Reds.

“It is terrific news that Owen has decided to join us here at Sixways,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.

“Owen is an experienced, International player who is equally comfortable at ten or 12 and has the advantage of having played a lot of Premiership rugby.

“He has a tremendous understanding of the game and will play a huge role in leading and driving our performances. We all look forward to his arrival at the club.”