By Gareth James

Cardiff have admitted they were unable to compete with the deal Tomos Williams has signed to move from the Arms Park to Gloucester.

The Wales scrum-half will move over the border at the end of the season, the latest in a long line of departures of Wales’ top talent from the domestic game.

The fear among many in the game is that very few leading Welsh players will remain in the domestic game, regardless of their age or the 25-cap rule.

Williams’ Test career will not be affected by his move as he has won 53 caps for Wales, but Cardiff have admitted they could not get close to Gloucester’s offer.

https://twitter.com/BBCScrumV/status/1744338630032654503?s=20

Head coach Matt Sherratt said: “Naturally we are very disappointed to be losing a player of Tomos’ quality.

“As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, he has been absolutely brilliant since I’ve returned here, both in terms of his performance and leadership on the pitch to the way he conducts himself and drives standards throughout the environment.

“We made our best possible offer but given the current financial landscape and salary cap in Wales, he has unfortunately decided to move on.

“While disappointing, it is understandable that Tomos wants to experience something else in his career, and given he has been here for more than a decade, he certainly deserves that.

“He was the guy that got us back into the European Challenge Cup final against Gloucester, he has contributed a huge amount to the club since making his debut and will leave with our very best wishes.

“I know Tomos is now hugely motivated to give his all to the club in the remaining months of his contract and to finish the season as positively as possible.”

https://twitter.com/BBCSportWales/status/1744630089617404331?s=20

Gloucester’s director of rugby George Skivington said he was thrilled to seal a deal with 29-year-old Williams, who has played in two World Cups.

“Everyone at the club is thrilled to welcome a player of Tomos’ calibre,” said Skivington.

“Anybody that has watched him play before, whether that be for Cardiff or for Wales, knows how much of an attacking threat he can be, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to Gloucester Rugby.”

The full story as Tomos Williams decides to move to Gloucester at the end of the season.https://t.co/zyBww6mfN0 pic.twitter.com/NIxTkTla0O

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) January 8, 2024

Williams progressed through Cardiff’s junior and academy systems and has amassed over 100 appearances for the United Rugby Championship side.

He admitted it was a big decision to leave but believes it is the “right time” to test himself in the Guinness Premiership.

“I’m really grateful to Cardiff for everything they have given me in my career,” Williams said.

“This club is all I have known and after 11 years with the first-team squad, I feel the time is right to make a change.

“I am excited for a new chapter with Gloucester but remain 100 per cent committed to Cardiff and will always look back on my time here with great fondness.”

https://twitter.com/gloucesterrugby/status/1744435048747847913?s=20