Rhino switches to Falcons

England international signs one-year deal to move to rugby union

Last updated: 25th July 2008

Rhino switches to Falcons

Williams: Switching codes

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Leeds Rhinos winger Danny Williams has decided to switch codes and join Guinness Premiership outfit Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has signed an initial one-year deal with the Falcons and will arrive at his new home on August 4, meaning he will miss the end of the Super League campaign.

An England international, Williams has been released early by his current employers after being told that he would not be offered a new contract at the end of the season.

He was recommended as a signing by coach Alan Tait, a dual code international himself who played league at Leeds.

Young talent

"Danny is a very exciting young talent, and someone we believe has a great chance of making an impact in union," Director of rugby Steve Bates said on Newcastle's website.

"We have been on the lookout for a player of his type for some time now, knowing that we had to strengthen our back three options.

"Having Alan Tait on board has opened up new markets to us with his knowledge and contacts in rugby league, and he rates Danny highly with his finishing ability and physicality both qualities that have made him stand out in a very talented Leeds Rhinos squad.

"Clearly with switching codes there is a lot for him to learn in a relatively short space of time, but the outside backs is the one area of the team where most of the skills are transferrable.

"Alan will work very closely with him in getting him up to speed with rugby union, and we look forward to seeing the impact he makes with us."