According to The Rugby Paper, Harry Williams will join his former Exeter teammates Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Simmonds at Montpellier in the Top 14 next season.
This will make Williams the sixth player to leave Sandy Park at the end of this season, following the departures of Jannes Kirsten to the Bulls, Dave Ewers to Ulster, Joe Simmonds to Pau, and the expected departure of Jack Nowell.
At 6’4” and almost 20 stone, the long-haired tight-head certainly fits the bill as one of England’s top-performing tight-heads.
His impressive on-field form was noted from afar by England head coach Eddie Jones, who initially called him into his squad for their summer tour to Argentina in 2017. Although Jones believed the Exeter man was “in need of a hair-cut” – he liked what he saw in the Exeter prop, handing him starts in both Test matches against the Pumas.
Since then, Williams has been a regular feature in England squads, featuring in Autumn internationals, as well as the Six Nations Championship, although his omission from Jones’ squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan, however, was something of a surprise.
Undeterred, Williams bounced back from that setback to help the Chiefs record a historic double success in 2020, helping them to lift the Premiership for a second time, as well as the Heineken Champions Cup.
Five other England stars won’t be able to play again after the 2023 World Cup
Five England international rugby players will not be able to represent their country in the iconic white jersey after announcing their move to France following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. David Ribbans
Northampton Saints have confirmed that the forward will depart the Club at the end of the 2022/23 season. Reports suggest he will join Toulon.
The 27-year-old lock has pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey 115 times to date, starting 98 matches for Northampton and scoring 17 tries so far.
“As a coaching group, we are very proud of the progress Dave has made during his time at Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“He arrived in Northampton as a 21-year-old without many Super Rugby appearances to his name. He will leave as a fully-fledged England international and a proven performer in the Gallagher Premiership, one of the most attritional and competitive leagues in the world.
“You always want to create an environment for players where they can work hard, thrive, win matches and be successful on the international stage. Sometimes, that means players become attractive propositions for other clubs.
“Dave leaves to pursue a playing opportunity in France next season. It’s disappointing to lose a player of his calibre, and we were surprised Dave wanted to leave the Club at this time.
“But he is of course a professional, and will be putting all his efforts in his final months in Northampton to ensure the team is as successful as possible. We will wish him well after that.”
