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Meet the new players | Q&A Jordan Williams

Jordan Williams turned his back on another crack at the Premiership with Bristol by joining the Dragons for next season and a return to the GUINNESS Pro14

The former Scarlets full back enjoyed a good season as Bristol stormed to the Championship title and joins Ryan Bevington and Rhodri Williams in making the switch over the Severn.

He sat down with the media this week to talk about his career to date, his favourite position and the return to Wales after his time with Pat Lam at Bristol.

 

You must be glad to be back in Wales?

"It’s an exciting time to be a part of Dragons rugby, so I’m really looking forward to it," said Jordan.  "It’s been a tough few weeks back in pre-season now, but we’ve some games soon coming up thick and fast.

"I have some unfinished business here, so that’s why I’m coming back to Wales as I wouldn’t be able to achieve what I want, playing for Wales, by playing at Bristol, so that’s a big part in my return.

"When I spoke to Bernard he pretty much made up my decision for me, when I met up with him first. "

You got very close to playing for Wales in Durban in 2014, how do you reflect on your career so far?
"My career started off pretty quick, but then hit a brick wall. I had the offer to go to Bristol and from there it’s been a re-start really in terms of my rugby. "

Is this an opportunity to fulfil your potential ?
"Last year was a good year for me learning a lot off Pat Lam, but it had been a frustrating time for me before then. I’ve developed a lot of my game playing week in, week out which I’m really grateful for, so hopefully I can kick on.

"When I was at Scarlets, things didn’t work out and I ended up playing semi-pro. Everyone wants to play and when you are not picked and you have to go and play elsewhere, going back and forward, in and out the side all the time, it was frustrating. 

"The last year at the Scarlets I wasn’t really there much as I was with the Sevens. That was really beneficial for me, just to go away and concentrate on some aspects of the game that you do a lot more in Sevens game than in 15s, so I enjoyed that time with Gareth Williams there. 

"Going to Bristol was a fresh start and out the gold fish bowl as some say, so I started enjoying my rugby again.

What do you bring to a team?
"Hopefully some high tempo, attacking rugby. I like to get my hands on the ball so the way Bristol played last year, suited me down to a tee, and hopefully we can produce more of that rugby here at the Dragons.

"There’s great facilities here, with a good pitch at Ystrad Mynach and at Rodney Parade, so no more training on a muddy pitch at Bristol again. 

"I’m really looking forward to it, it’s a big challenge ahead for me and the whole team as a group and we are looking forward to it.

Things have changed at the Dragons?
"Obviously, Dragons haven’t been in the best of places in last few years, but we’ve recruited well over the summer, with a lot of fresh faces here, so it feels like a new club for most of us and its pretty enjoyable.

There’s a lot of dangerous wingers here, with the likes of Ashton, Amos, Rosser, Zane and Daf Howells also coming in, so great opportunities if Dragons get the ball wide?

"There’s a lot of competition, many of us played each other through age grade competition so that makes things easier when you come here, but it’s exciting times."

How have you matured as a player?
"I’ve grown up a lot and moving over to Bristol helped that. Not many people expected me to leave, but I took the risk of going there, with no guarantees of playing. It was an opportunity to start enjoying my rugby again and I’m glad I made that decision.

"When you are younger you just want to get your hands on the ball, but when you actually sit down and look at the game, there’s a lot more to it. The Sevens was a learning curve for myself.

"The reason to come to Dragons was to prove some people wrong. Coming here is made a lot easier knowing a lot from the Under 20s boys I played with in that 2013 season, like James Benjamin and Jack Dixon. I’m refreshed, re-charged and ready to get going again now."

There’s 8 or 9 players that played in that 2013 U20s final including Hallam Amos, Elliot Dee and Ross Moriarty with Hallam playing 15 for Wales earlier this month, does that show where the Dragons are now in terms of competition?
"Most teams need competition. It keeps you on your toes. If you don’t train well then someone else can get picked ahead of you. Everyone plays rugby to play, and no-one enjoys sitting in the stands or on the bench.

"First of all I’ve got to perform in training and then take my chance. My preferred position is 15, but I’m happy to play the best place for the team."

Was it tough to turn your back on the Premiership?
"Yes in a way, frustrating not being able to stay up in the first year, but with what Pat has built there now they’ve got a good chance. Pat has great rugby knowledge.

"The Championship is a strange league. On paper Bristol were far superior to most teams, but teams when they played against us, it was like their cup final so we found most games very tough in that league so it will be exciting to see how they do next year. "

You can get up close and see Jordan Williams and the rest of the Dragons squad, including our Wales internationals and Wales hopefuls, in action all season long with Dragons membership priced from £139 for adults.

CLICK HERE for more information

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