Blues’ Williams heads West

Wales Sevens regular Tom Williams has joined Scarlets on a season long loan.

Bridgend born Williams, brother of Wales scrum half Lloyd and son of former British & Irish Lion and Wales scrum half Brynmor, has linked up with the Scarlets as he moves West for the 2015-16 season.

The versatile 24 year old, who can play at both fullback and wing, links up with former Cardiff Blues teammate Harry Robinson as he heads West for the forthcoming Guinness PRO12 season.

Robinson is expected to miss the start of the 2015-16 Guinness PRO12 season as he recovers from surgery to a neck injury sustained in the closing stages of the 2014-15 campaign while fellow winger Jordan Williams is progressing well from shoulder surgery.

Williams joins former Fiji international winger Michael Tagicakibau, Hadleigh Parkes and Steff Evans for pre-season training at Parc y Scarlets.

Wales international Liam Williams is recovering from surgery, to a foot injury, and is hopeful of making a full recovery in time for the 2015 Rugby World Cup while new signing DTH van der Merwe is on international duty with Canada.

Tom Williams is a product of the Cardiff Blues age grade pathway and has made 22 appearances for the region, scoring two tries, since making his debut in September 2012 against Newport Gwent Dragons. Tom was named in the 2012 Wales Sevens squad for the Gold Coast and continues to regularly feature for Wales Sevens.

Williams has also represented Cardiff RFC on 41 occasions since his 2010 debut scoring 18 tries for the Principality Premiership outfit.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said; “Due to Rugby World Cup selection coupled with long-term and short-term injuries to Harry Robinson, Steff Hughes and Jordan Williams respectively we have bolstered the outside backs with Tom Williams who gives us both fullback and wing cover.

“Tom is an exciting young player who’s been a regular on the 7s circuit and he joins us on a season long loan. We look forward to seeing his continued development with us here at the Scarlets.”

Speaking about his move to the Scarlets Williams said; “I’m settling in well; I knew a few of the boys from the 7s circuit and they’ve been really good in welcoming me in.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to come the Scarlets and I’m hoping to get some game time under my belt. There’s a lot of competition for places here and quality players like Steff Evans, Michael Tagicakibau and Liam Williams and it’ll be good to learn off people like that.”

Williams will also be hopeful of getting a taste of top-flight European rugby with the Scarlets going on to say; “That opportunity excites any young player and can’t wait to get going. I’m hoping first of all to get a chance in the PRO12 and then hopefully kick on to the Champions Cup.”