The Wales star has penned a deal that will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until the end of the 2010-2011 campaign, a place he calls home after 10 seasons playing first for Neath and now the Ospreys. Williams signed for Neath from Amman United in 1998, and earlier this year he was granted a testimonial in recognition of his services to rugby within the region.
“It’s great that I’ve been able to re-sign with the Ospreys for the next three years,” he said. “This is the only place I want to play rugby. I can’t imagine playing anywhere else, I’ve been involved in the region for 10 years now, firstly at Neath and then with the Ospreys, and it’s where I feel at home.
“I want to stay here for the rest of my playing career, and although I think I’ve got more than just three years in me yet, when the day comes that I have to hang up my boots, I’d like to hope that there’ll be some kind of opportunity for me to stay involved within the region in a coaching role,” he added.
With 78 Ospreys appearances to his name to date, he is the region’s leading all time try-scorer with 35, an incredible 15 ahead of Gavin Henson in second place.
Williams’s Wales career has flourished as he carries club form to the international arena. He has been capped 54 times for Wales and twice by the British & Irish Lions. After scoring four tries in Wales’s last two matches, he now sits second in the all time Welsh try-scoring list with 39, one behind Gareth Thomas.
“I’m proud to have been part of the Ospreys from the very beginning. I’m proud of what we have achieved already in such a short time and I’m hopeful that we can enjoy more success over the next few years. I think I’ve been in the best form of my career this season and the new contract comes on the back of being awarded a testimonial earlier this year so it’s been a good time for me personally.”
Lyn Jones, Ospreys Head Coach, welcomed the good news, saying that it will provide a huge boost to everyone at the region. “I’m delighted that Shane has decided to extend his career with the Ospreys, this is excellent news for everyone involved with the Ospreys, particularly the supporters who enjoy nothing more than the sight of Shane in full flight with ball in hand.
“His career has been quite a journey since myself and Mike Cuddy first signed him for Neath as a scrum half in 1998. We’ve been with him through all the highs and lows, and shared his many successes, along with the thousands of true rugby supporters who appreciate the unique talents he brings to any team he is a part of.”
The announcement comes on the back of fullback Lee Byrne signing a new deal earlier this week. “As with the re-signing of Lee Byrne earlier this week, this is a massive statement of intent from the region, which can only be good news for Welsh rugby in general,” concluded Jones.
