Welcome Lloyd Williams

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of Lloyd Williams ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The scrum-half will depart Cardiff Rugby after 13 years of service for the region, making 260 appearances, which is a new record in the professional era for the side.

He made his debut for Cardiff back in 2010 against Leinster and has been a mainstay in the team ever since. He is known for his pace around the ruck and quality kicking game and has scored 42 tries for the region.

His fine form for Cardiff hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he has amassed 32 caps for Wales, with his debut coming in 2011 against Argentina. He has been to two World Cups, New Zealand in 2011 and England in 2015, and has also represented the Welsh 7s side and Wales U20 at the 2009 Junior World Cup.

As well as playing at World Cups, Lloyd also has a strong record in the Six Nations, having won the Championship on three occasions. He was part of the team that won the Grand Slam in 2012 and then retained the title a year later in 2013. After nearly four years away from the national side, he was recalled to the Wales setup in 2020, playing in the Autumn Nations Championship before winning the Six Nations again in 2021.

After a superb final season at Cardiff, Lloyd was named the Peter Thomas Player of the Season this year, being selected personally by Thomas during the final days before his passing.

On joining the club, Lloyd Williams said: “I’m really excited to be making the move over to Ealing Trailfinders.

“After such a long time at one club, when the opportunity arose to test myself in a different league and a new environment, it was one I was keen to take.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “The signing of Lloyd hugely exciting for all of us at the club.

“I’ve admired him and his style of play for some time, and I’m confident he should slot in well with how we want to play.”

The signing of Lloyd comes after yesterday’s announcement that prop Brad Thyer will also be joining the club.