WALES and Scarlets star Liam Williams will join Saracens for the start of next season, after signing a three-year deal with the Allianz Park outfit.

Williams’ move was first revealed during last year’s autumn series but has now been confirmed by the Aviva Premiership club.

The 25-year-old has won 38 caps for Wales since making his debut in 2012, but could see his chances of international rugby affected because of the so-called ‘Gatland’s Law’.

Under the senior selection policy, only three players not based in Wales can be picked for a Test match.

Full-back or wing Williams was an ever present for Wales in 2016 – he was one of the few players to standout during the autumn series.

He has made 100 appearances for the Scarlets since making his debut in 2011, and also represented Wales at under-20 level.

On his move, Williams said: “I am really excited about joining Saracens and having the opportunity to challenge myself in the Aviva Premiership.

“The club's reputation speaks for itself and I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career.

“I wouldn’t be the player I am without the incredible support from the Scarlets’ management, players, back-room staff and passionate supporters.”

He added: “I’m very grateful to the Scarlets for giving me an opportunity to play professional rugby and I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support over the last six years.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club, making lifelong friends as well as getting the opportunity to develop my game and win international honours.

“We still have it all to play for this season and I will continue to give my all in the Scarlets jersey and will hopefully have an opportunity to play for silverware at the end of the season with what is a great group of boys.”

Meanwhile, Scarlets have insisted they did everything they could to try and keep Williams in west Wales.

Scarlets general manager of rugby, Jon Daniels, said: “Liam has been an asset to the region and will be missed both on and off the field.

“He will always be a Scarlet and we thank him for his total commitment and passion for the region.

“We fought hard to retain Liam but having taken everything into consideration, including his personal circumstances, he has decided to pursue new challenges which we respect totally.

“We wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing him in action at the Parc in the remaining few months of the season, in what is expected to be an exciting finish to the PRO12 campaign.”