Liam Williams’ move from the Scarlets to Saracens for next season has been confirmed by both sides.
The Wales full-back will complete the season with the Welsh region before joining the English and European champions.
Williams had been offered a dual contract by his region and the Welsh Rugby Union, but turned it down last November during the autumn internationals.
The Scarlets have said they fought hard to keep the 25-year-old – who has arguably been the most exciting player in Wales over the past two seasons – but that Williams was swayed by “personal circumstances”. His girlfriend Sophie Harries is a London-based model.
In a statement, Williams said: I’m very grateful to the Scarlets for giving me an opportunity to play professional rugby and I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support over the last six years.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club, making life-long friends as well as getting the opportunity to develop my international honours.
“We still have it all to play for this season and I will continue to give my all in the Scarlets jersey and will hopefully have an opportunity to play for silverware at the end of the season with a what is a great group of boys.”
Williams has won 38 caps since his Wales debut in 2012, and will replace Toulon-bound Chris Ashton at Sarries next season.
But he will have to rely on a wildcard from coach Warren Gatland to continue his Wales career next term, as he turned down what was considered a market rate offer from a Welsh region.
Saracens rugby director Mark McCall hailed a statement signing of a top-level Test operator, who is equally comfortable on the wing or at full-back.
“Liam’s arrival at Allianz Park next season is fantastic news,” said Saracens boss McCall.
“He is only 25 years old and has his best years of rugby ahead of him.
“Liam is arguably one of the most talented backs in Europe so to have secured his signing is a real coup for the club.
“We’ll look forward to welcoming him in the summer.”
The so-called Gatland’s Law limits the Wales head coach’s number of Test squad selections from players plying their trade outside of the four Welsh regions.
Williams is the latest of Gatland’s top assets to take the calculated gamble of leaving Welsh rugby while also aiming to continue their Test career.
“I am really excited about joining Saracens and having the opportunity to challenge myself in the Aviva Premiership,” added Williams.
“The club’s reputation speaks for itself and I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career.”
The Scarlets insisted they mounted a strong fight to retain one of theirs and Wales’ top assets, but eventually had to bow to Williams’ wishes.
“Liam has been an asset to the region and will be missed both on and off the field,” said Scarlets’ general manager of rugby Jon Daniels.
“He will always be a Scarlet and we thank him for his total commitment and passion for the region.
“We fought hard to retain Liam but having taken everything into consideration including his personal circumstances he has decided to pursue new challenges which we respect totally.”
Liam Williams Fact file
Full name: Liam Brian Williams
Born: April 9, 1991, Morriston
Age: 25
Teams: Scarlets
International Honours: Wales (38 caps)
Position Fullback/Wing
Height 6 ft 2 in
Weight 187 lb
