Liam Williams has left Saracens with immediate effect

Liam Williams has departed Saracens for Scarlets with immediate effect. The move ends the 28-year-old’s two-and-a-half-year stay at Allianz Park and sees him return to his old Welsh region.

In his first season at Allianz Park, Williams scored ten tries in all competitions and helped them regain the Premiership title as well as impressing on the international stage.

Due to injury at the 2019 World Cup, Williams’ last Sarries outing came in last season’s Premiership final, his 31st cap for the club.

Scarlets announced in December that the British and Irish Lion would be returning home after agreeing to a move from English champions Saracens.

But the Welsh region, Williams and Saracens have since come to a mutual agreement that will allow the full-back to play for his former side earlier than initially anticipated.

(Continue reading below...)

Springboks' future at the heart of the latest CVC investment

With 62 caps for Wales and three Test starts for the Lions, Williams is regarded as one of the leading full-backs in world rugby with his devastating counter-attacking threat and ability under the high ball.

A key member of the Scarlets’ PRO12 title-winning side, he hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in Japan and has been completing his rehab as part of Wayne Pivac’s Six Nations squad at their base at the Vale Resort.

He said: “I’m really excited about returning to the Scarlets and would like to thank everyone involved for their support in making it happen. I’ve had a fantastic few years at Saracens and will take some very happy memories away with me. I’ve been working hard on my recovery and can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”

Scarlets boss Brad Mooar said: “Liam is a world-class player and man, a huge favourite at Parc y Scarlets and we are thrilled to welcome Liam and Sophie back to the Scarlets. To have Liam joining our exciting group of outside backs this season is superb. 

“I’m also thrilled for Liam that his rehab is almost complete. Obviously, his immediate availability for us will depend on how Wayne wants to play it during the Six Nations and we look forward to seeing Liam back at Parc y Scarlets in due course.”

WATCH: Two Guinness PRO14 fixtures cancelled over coronavirus fears