THE Guardian has announced the signing of the summer - Wales and Ospreys' legend Shane Williams.

The 30-year-old Glanaman-born winger will be writing a World Cup diary exclusively for Guardian readers from the Welsh team's camp in Nantes, starting next week.

Williams, capped 46 times for Wales, made his international debut in 2000 and will undoubtedly be one of the first names on the teamsheet come September 9, when Wales take on Canada.

Gareth Jenkins' men then play Australia, Japan and Fiji before a potential quarter-final against South Africa or England.

And Shane will be sharing his views with us throughout the tournament.

"People are writing Wales off, but once you're through the pool stages and into the knockout matches anything can happen," he told the Guardian this week.

"On our day we can beat anybody in the world and I'm confident we are good enough to go all the way and win the World Cup.

"This tournament is massive for me. It's my second World Cup and could be my last.

"Performing on the world stage against the best players in the world will bring out my best."

Guardian editor Mike Lewis said: "Shane is a world-class sportsman, who has remained close to his roots and I know Guardian readers will enjoy an exclusive insight into the thoughts of someone who could be one of the stars of this World Cup.

"People who dismiss Wales's chances never learn. Remember Foinavon, the 100-1 shot who won the Grand National or Buster Douglas, the 42-1 outsider who knocked out Mike Tyson in Tokyo?

"Few in their right minds would have predicted Llandovery winning the Konica Minolta Cup.

"Like Shane, we at the Guardian believe Wales will stun the world in the coming weeks."