Williams excited to learn off Wales ace Dwayne

LLOYD Williams hopes the incoming arrival of Dwayne Peel will take both him and the Cardiff Blues to new heights next season.

Former Wales scrumhalf Peel – part of the Six Nations Grand Slam class of 2005 – will return home to head up the Blues’ attack for the 2021/22 campaign.

Peel has carved out an impressive coaching career with Bristol and currently Ulster since retiring and his arrival in the Welsh capital is a big boost for the Blues.

“It’s come around quickly but Dwayne is another quality addition to our coaching squad,” Williams told TRP.

“I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t worked with Dwayne before, but those who have speak very highly of him. I’m sure as a coach and a person he will add a lot to the environment.

“That’s something we’re all looking forward to. Ulster play very good rugby so he is only going to add to us. As far as his reputation goes it speaks for itself and we’ll be pleased to welcome him.”

Williams, 31, returned to the Wales squad as a shock call-up in November as injury cover. He came out of the wilderness to feature in the Autumn Nations Cup.

He came off the bench against Ireland in Dublin and then started the defeat to England in Llanelli.

Williams will have Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Kieran Hardy and his Cardiff Blues teammate Tomos Williams for scrum-half competition for the 2021 Six Nations.

Tomos Williams missed the autumn due to injury, but is now back firing on all cylinders and is rivalling his namesake for a starting spot with the Blues.

“I was very pleased to get back into the Welsh squad,” Lloyd Williams said. “I was grateful for the opportunity and I enjoyed my time even though a few results didn’t go our way. I think the overall direction of the squad is heading the right way.

“That’s all you can ask for and I’m hoping to build on that now. I want to perform over Christmas and get myself back into the squad for the Six Nations if form allows.

“Tomos and I are good mates. Sometimes competition is not always what you want, but it is what you need as a player and I enjoy working with Tomos. He’s made me a better player and I’d like to think I’ve done the same for him.”