SCARLETS scrum half Rhodri Williams will leave Parc y Scarlets at the end of the season to join Championship side Bristol Rugby.

The 22-year-old from Betws has signed a two-year deal with Bristol and will leave the Scarlets at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after five seasons.

Rhodri said: “I’d like to thank everybody associated with Scarlets during my time there.

“It’s a great club and I’ve enjoyed every minute and have made lifelong friends.

“I will continue to give my all to the Scarlets as we look to secure that all-important top four place in the PRO12.”

Having been selected in the Wales Under 20 squad for the 2013 Six Nations Championship Williams went on to make his full debut versus Tonga later that same year in the Autumn International campaign.

Williams joined the Scarlets at the age of 16 and was named in the region’s Academy on the back of his performances for both Scarlets and Wales Under 18s sides.

His senior debut came in a pre-season friendly in August 2011 against Rotherham and has made 79 appearances to date.

Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, said: “Rhodri is a talented young player who has developed through the ranks here at the Scarlets winning international honours at a young age.

“We are disappointed to see Rhodri leave the region but understand his desire and ambition to play regular rugby. We wish him well in his future endeavours with Bristol.”