Gloucester Rugby captain Tomos Williams is on the brink of a high-profile move to Gallagher Premiership rivals Saracens this July, GloucestershireLive has learned.
The 30-year-old scrum-half, who joined Gloucester from Cardiff Rugby just 16 months ago, is expected to finalize a deal that will end his relatively short two-year tenure at Kingsholm. Williams made an immediate impact at Gloucester, earning the prestigious title of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season.
Williams, a 69-cap Wales international and recent British & Irish Lion, suffered a hamstring injury last summer that prematurely ended his tour in Australia before the Test series against the Wallabies. Ahead of the 2025/26 season, he was named Gloucester’s club captain, succeeding Lewis Ludlow.
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Despite Gloucester’s efforts to retain their standout playmaker—engaging in numerous contract negotiations—Williams appears set to join Saracens, who are actively strengthening their roster. He reportedly weighed interest from the rebel league R360 but has opted for the Saracens move.
When questioned about Williams’ future, Gloucester Director of Rugby George Skivington chose not to comment directly, instead indicating that Williams would address the matter himself.
Meanwhile, Gloucester is actively searching for scrum-half replacements for next season. Whether they are targeting a direct successor or squad depth remains uncertain. Current second-choice scrum-half Caolan Englefield, who recently extended his contract, continues to earn caps for England A but has yet to establish himself as the club’s first choice.
Englefield featured off the bench during Gloucester’s 14-31 defeat to the All Blacks XV at the Recreation Ground this autumn and started in their 29-25 victory over Spain in Valladolid. Supporting him is summer addition Mikey Austin, who, alongside fly-half George Barton, earned praise from Skivington for their strong performances in recent Premiership Rugby Cup matches.
Skivington remarked, “I thought Mike Austin and George Barton did a great job managing the games, especially the Sale match away. Their control of the closing stages was impressive in a tough environment.”
Nonetheless, neither Austin nor Englefield yet match the creative flair and attacking prowess that Williams brings to the team. His prospective departure will leave a significant gap in Gloucester’s midfield, posing a considerable challenge ahead for the Cherry and Whites.