The pint-sized but lightning fast winger – famously derided as ‘Shane who?’ by England’s Ben Cohen – scored ten tries in ten appearances for Wales, the last of which was almost two years ago against Ireland.
Since then he has been completely overlooked by Wales coach Steve Hansen who has told Williams that he will only look at him as a number nine.
‘I began my career at scrum-half, though not a great one, and there was talk of moving back to number nine last season,’ said Williams.
‘Steve Hansen wanted me to play there and obviously that got me thinking because I have been out of the Wales squad for some time.
‘A year ago I would not have thought about it but after a summer of hard work and training as a scrum-half I would be ready to play there tomorrow.
‘I have never given up hope of playing for Wales again and I will also cover the wing position but this move will certainly add another string to my bow. I feel quite comfortable at both.’
Williams’ selection as one of three scrum-halves was the only surprise at Thursday’s launch of the new regional side – named after the bird of prey found in the Swansea Bay area.
But while the osprey was adopted by the All Whites as their logo in their centenary season in 1973/74 it is hoped that the predator will now replace the dove as a symbol of peace between the neighbours after 130 years of bitter rivalry – dating back prior to the formation of the Welsh Rugby Union in Neath.
‘After so much history, passion and rivalry it is obviously a major task to bring the two clubs and sets of supporters together,’ said joint chief executive Roger Blythe.
‘It has undoubtedly been a painful process for many people in what is the most passionate rugby areas in the world. But it has been necessary for the good of Welsh rugby and hopefully everyone will get behind it.’
However the choice of an all-black kit – an almost replica of the Neath strip – is sure to be a bitter pill to swallow for the Swansea contingent, especially given Neath’s initial refusal at the merger.
Indeed one player who has decided not to be involved with the new set-up, however, is British Lion Colin Charvis, still looking for a new club, after contract talks between the player and region broke down this week.
‘It is disappointing that things didn’t work out but there is only so long you can keep negotiating,’ said Blythe. ‘Colin will definitely not be playing for us next season.’
The region, who kick-off the new season at home to Ulster on Friday, September 5, will divide their home Celtic and European games between St Helen’s and The Gnoll before moving into a new 20,000 all-seater stadium on the outskirts of Swansea.
