WORCESTER Warriors have announced the signing of former Leicester Tigers and Gloucester Rugby fly-half Owen Williams for the 2021/22 season.

Williams, who has won four caps for Wales, 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 is currently ineligible to play for his country due to the under 60-cap rule the Welsh Rugby Union have in place.

After one year in Japan, Williams has opted to move to Sixways and will join fellow the growing Welsh contingent at the club, alongside head coach Jonathan Thomas, defence coach Mark Jones, Dflanker Sam Lewis, centre Ashley Beck and soon-to-be Warrior Scott Baldwin.

Williams, who can also play at centre, will become the fifth international to be signed by Warriors for next season following England's Willi Heinz (Gloucester), Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Wales hooker Scott Baldwin (Harlequins) and Tonga number eight Sione Vailanu (Wasps), who was confirmed yesterday.

“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. “