Ulster No 8 Nick Williams to join Cardiff Blues next season
Wednesday 23 December 2015 09:41, UK
Ulster No 8 Nick Williams will leave at the end of the season to join fellow Guinness PRO12 side Cardiff Blues, the club has announced.
New Zealander Williams made his name with Auckland Blues before enjoying spells with Munster and Italian side Aironi.
The 32-year-old joined Ulster in 2012 and was crowned PRO12 Player of the Season at the end of his debut season.
Williams has now made 67 appearances for the Province, scoring 13 tries in a four-year spell in Northern Ireland.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Belfast," he told Ulster's official's website.
"The Ulster people are special and the supporters have always been so good to me. My daughter was born in Ireland so it will always be a special place for our family.
"Rest assured, I'll be giving everything for the team until the end of this season. We have set our targets over the next five months and I want to play my part in us achieving them."
Cardiff head coach Danny Wilson said: "Nick has been one of the stand-out performers in the Guinness PRO12 for the last few seasons so we are thrilled that he will join us from next season.
"He is an extremely physical and uncompromising forward who will give us real edge and bring a real winning mentality with him. Nick is undoubtedly a strong ball carrier who is involved in big collisions in both attack and defence.
"We are pleased to bring a player not only of his quality but also with vast experience to the region as we look to enhance our back row options and firepower for the coming seasons."
Bryn Cunningham, Ulster's Operations Director, admitted they will miss Williams but confirmed they will look to sign a high-quality replacement for him.
"Nick is a true gentleman and a real fans' favourite," he said.
"He is currently producing some excellent rugby for Ulster and I know that he will continue in the same vein for the rest of the season, with so much still to play for.
"While we are unable to see Nick in the white of Ulster after his current contract, I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all his efforts over the past four years.
"His physicality, barnstorming runs and off-loading abilities are always exciting to watch and we've told him not to do quite as much next season when playing against us!
"Over the next period we will be able to announce Nick's replacement, which will be a top class addition to the squad moving into next season."
