Williams plots route to Cardiff via Gloucester

Owen Williams believes his summer switch from Leicester to Gloucester will enhance his prospects of leapfrogging Dan Biggar and Sam Davies in Wales‘ fly-half pecking order.
Williams made his Test debut in June when he came off the bench as a blood injury replacement during Wales’ win over Tonga.
But he admits to frustration at gaining just nine minutes of game time during the summer tour of the Pacific Islands – and says a starting berth against Australia in the first autumn international in Cardiff on November 11 is his target.
“I was a bit disappointed with the game time for Wales over the summer,” he said. “I was delighted to get my first cap and I learnt a lot from both the coaches and from playing alongside really experienced guys like Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams.
“But I want more caps, I want to push on and get that 10 shirt for Wales. I want to play for Wales as much as I can and that means performing for Gloucester week-in, week-out and winning big games.
“I want to push for the autumn internationals and the Six Nations. There are a few goals I’ve set myself.”
The 25-year-old, who began his career at the Scarlets before a four-year stint at Welford Road, says his move to Gloucester was a necessary shake-up.
“For me, while I enjoyed my time at Leicester, I’d been there for four years and needed a change,” he said.
“I think Gloucester as a squad are heading in the right direction. I’m looking forward to pushing on.”
Williams played at both fly-half and inside centre for Leicester, but is clear that he sees his future as a game-controlling 10.
“I’ve come here to play 10, there’s no doubt about that. I want to drive this team. I want to push for 10 for Wales.
“If I have to play 12 due to injury I have no issue with that, but I want to play 10 for Gloucester and Wales.”
However, Williams admits that the twin-playmaker model adopted by both the Lions and England could be embraced by other nations, and could mean that opportunities present themselves to him in the centres.
“That system worked really well for the Lions, and it works well for England with Farrell at 12.
“A 12’s job is to help the 10 out as much as possible, and a 12 who’s played 10 before understands what a 10 needs – he needs good comms, another set of eyes, a bit of organisation out wide and the ability to be a decent passer and get the ball to the wide channels.
“England have been on fire over the past couple of years with Ford and Farrell at 10 and 12, so I think the game is moving that way.”
TOM BRADSHAW