North Wales launch invasion of England
ROBIN Williams has joined the ever growing band of north Wales bred players moving into the Championship and beyond in the English game after signing for Bedford Blues.
The 22-year-old second row, who switched from Caernarfon to RGC 1404, was unveiled this week as the latest recruit by former Wales international Mike Rayer, who is director of rugby at the Blues.
After nearly 18 months without any meaningful rugby due to the lockdown, Williams is raring to go and could meet up with a number of former teammates throughout the season.
Outside-half Billy McBryde and hooker George Roberts are at Doncaster Knights with another ex-RGC product, tighthead prop Joe Jones; scrum-half Alex Schwartz is at Cornish Pirates and back row man Tim Grey is at Jersey Reds.
Add to them former Wales U20 prop Sam Wainwright, who is in the Saracens academy, and back row Sean Lonsdale at Exeter Chiefs.
Elsewhere hooker Evan Yardley is at Cardiff, excentre Tiaan Loots is now playing in the American top league with San Diego Legion, and outside-half Jacob Botica is playing in France at Rennes. It all shows north Wales has a lot to offer.
The former Wales U20 full-back Rhun Williams was recruited by Cardiff Blues and was tipped for the top before injury ended his burgeoning career and Ospreys back row man Olly Cracknell also spent some of his early days at RGC.
“When I spoke to the coaches, it was a no brainer. It already feels like a great, community club that’s really close to its supporters and I can’t wait to get started,” said Williams.
“Bedford is renowned for an attacking brand of rugby, but the focus for us forwards will also be on the set piece. Hopefully, I can add to that and make an imprint on the team.”
Williams made his debut for RGC at the age of 17 and made almost 80 appearances for the club until lockdown. In that time he helped the Gogs win the WRU National Cup in 2018 with victory over Pontypridd and clinch two top-four finishes in the Welsh Premiership.
Bedford head coach Alex Rae said:”Robin is a young man, but he’s played a lot of games in the Welsh Premiership, which is a tough league for a front five forward. That should stand him in pretty good stead for us.
“With some hard work we hope he will be able to kick on and progress in his career. He’s got time to do that with us and we are confident he’ll do really well for Bedford.”