WALES rugby star Scott Williams, who is from Newcastle Emlyn, says that he is looking forward to a fresh challenge, after signing for Ospreys on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old centre, a former pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, Llandysul, has signed a contract that will run until 2021.

Williams had won his 50th cap for Wales in the 18-33 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday, scoring his 11th try in the game against the All Blacks. He has been a key figure for both the region and nation over the last seven years, and will link up with the Ospreys in pre-season.

He made four appearances in Wales’ 2012 Grand Slam, famously scoring a late winning try against England at Twickenham, and then played the same number of games in the following year’s Championship success.

After making his regional debut against the Ospreys in 2010, Williams has played 123 times for the Scarlets, scoring 21 tries, and helping them to the Guinness PRO12 title last season.

“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," said Williams.

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

“I’m now looking forward to a fresh challenge at the Ospreys. I’m excited about the their mid and long-term plans and goals, and my role there as a senior player.

"I hope it will allow me to continue improving and developing, both as a player and as a person, which is a great motivator for me.

“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.”

Welcoming the addition of a player who combines a physical edge with silky skills, Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said Williams was someone who would get supporters excited.

“Scott is a quality player who has consistently delivered at the highest level of the game and would be a welcome addition to any squad," said Tandy.

"He’s someone we’ve admired for some time, a leader who has captained Wales and the Scarlets, and he’s the kind of signing that excites supporters.

“For us to secure his signature in the face of real competition is a significant statement of intent about what we are trying to do at the Ospreys and our ambition to ensure we can continue to compete at the top end.

“Everybody at the Ospreys is delighted to get this over the line and we are excited about what Scott will bring to the environment next season, on and off the field, as he starts a new chapter in his career with his best years still ahead of him.”