Confirmed: Owen Williams Will Leave Leicester Tigers At The End Of The Season

Owen Williams is set to follow Richard Cockerill out the door at Leicester.

The Welsh playmaker has been in fine form this season, slotting a memorable last minute penalty against Munster last month to snatch victory over Munster. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed with Welsh fans calling for him to be selected for the Six Nations this year.

Cardiff Blues were said to be interested in bringing him back to Wales, but with no concrete offer made, it’s now been confirmed that Williams will join Premiership rivals Gloucester in a big money move that will see him earn a reported £400,000 a year.

Williams joined from the Scarlets in 2012 and has made 81 appearances to date for the Tigers, scoring 574 points in his time so far in the East Midlands. The Welshman will make the move to Kingsholm in the summer, and join Billy Burns as options for for the number ten shirt, following the summer departures of Greig Laidlaw and James Hook.

The signing of Williams is the fourth new face that Director of Rugby David Humphreys has secured ahead of next season, adding to the capture of back rower Carl Fearns and the front row pair of Fraser Balmain and Val Rapava Ruskin.

“I’m delighted that Owen will be joining Gloucester at the end of the season and I’m sure the supporters will look forward to his competition with Billy Burns for the fly-half starting spot.

“Top teams throughout Europe have two quality no 10’s and Owen’s experience with Leicester in both the Premiership and Europe will add some real quality and depth to a key position in our playing squad.

“He is still a young man with a real ambition to play international rugby and we all believe that Owen has the ability to play a central role in driving Gloucester forward.”

And Williams confirmed that he’s looking forward to the new challenge:

“I am really looking forward to joining Gloucester next season and facing new challenges in my rugby career. Gloucester is a team with a great history who play an exciting brand of rugby, which really appeals to me and I look forward to joining up with my new team mates in the summer.

“I would like to thank everyone at Leicester Tigers including the fans for the great memories and support they have given me throughout my time at the club, and I am fully committed to them until the end of the season.”

The good news for Welsh fans however is Williams will not be subject to Gatland’s Law as he did not turn down a market value offer from a Welsh region, leaving him free for selection should he be called up. The talented playmaker is yet to earn a cap for his national side.