Williams to leave the Scarlets

Nov 30 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1614 Views • Comments Off on Williams to leave the Scarlets

Scarlets can today confirm that centre Scott Williams will leave his home region at the end of the current season.

Williams, 27, became a mainstay of the region’s starting XV after impressing from an early age in the age grade sides before earning a place in the Scarlets Academy.

The hard running centre featured in Scarlets’ Guinness PRO12 championship winning clash against Munster at Aviva Stadium last May.

Williams, from Newcastle Emlyn, has made 124 appearances for the region scoring 21 tries. His competitive debut for the Scarlets came off the replacements’ bench against the Ospreys in October 2010 at Parc y Scarlets.

A homegrown talent, who developed through the ranks at Newcastle Emlyn and Whitland, Williams played for Wales Under 20 in 2009 and 2010 and previously represented Wales at U16 and U18. His senior debut came against the Barbarians in June 2011 and went to that year’s Rugby World Cup, playing three times. He reached the coveted milestone of 50 senior international caps on Saturday, against New Zealand, at the Principality Stadium.

Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, said; “Negotiations to retain Scott have been ongoing for some months but today we can confirm he will be leaving us at the end of the season. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a player decides the next chapter of his rugby career should be at another club.

“We would like to thank Scott for his services to the Scarlets not only as a player but also as vice-captain and captain leading the club with pride.

“We’d also like to thank him for his honesty, dignity and humility during the process and wish him well in the next chapter of his rugby career. He is, and always will be, a Scarlet and we know he will be more determined than ever to bring success to the region before he departs.”

Williams added; “I hope it goes without saying that this has not been an easy decision for me, but ultimately, I feel it is a move that is the right option for me at this time in my career.

“I’ve loved every minute of my 11 years at the Scarlets. I will always be grateful to the Board, Wayne and his team, and all associated with the club, for their support over those years.

“Once this weekend and the international period are complete, I’ll be back at the Scarlets, determined to positively contribute to achieving our goals for this season.”