By lestyn
April 23 2004

Neath Swansea Ospreys wing Shane Williams has pledged his future to the region for another three years, ending speculation that saw him linked with a big money move to France. Williams, 27, has in recent weeks been attracting interest throughout France and England with his contract due to expire in the summer, even the Scarlets have been amongst names supposedly chasing him.

However Ammanford born Williams wants to remain with the Ospreys, committing his long-term future, with a new three-year contract;

"I'm literally over the moon to be staying on with the Ospreys. Whilst, of course, it's extremely flattering to receive the sort of offer I did from France, it was not something I ever seriously considered.

"I'm settled here in Wales, playing rugby here in Wales and I'm staying here in Wales.

"This is a very exciting time to be at the Ospreys, the club is really coming into its own and I'm loving every minute of playing rugby here.

"The club has made huge progress since the start of the season, particularly in terms of the structures and professionalism.

"I'm conscious also that my personal level of rugby is consistently rising, the level of rugby in Wales is rising and, as we've seen, the level of the national team is rising."

In a week that has seen Gareth Thomas in talks with Toulouse, along with Stephen Jones at Leicester, there may not be anything like the meltdown so gleefully predicted in this morning Western Mail.

“Ickle” is one of those players who can get supporters through the turnstiles, and based on recent attendances at both St. Helens and the Gnoll, they need the flyer to demonstrate as much of his jinking magic as possible.

Ospreys chief executive Andrew Donald admitted there had been "fierce competition" for Williams' signature.

"We are genuinely delighted to have signed Shane, ahead of some very fierce competition," Donald said.

"He is one of the most exciting players in world rugby, which he's demonstrated to full effect at both international and regional level. He will be an important building block as we continue to develop one of the most exciting young rugby sides in Europe.

"We are building something very special, and players of the quality of Shane and Duncan Jones, who we re-signed last week, are essential to helping us realise our ambitions and ultimately arrive at the next stage of our own development as a regional side."

Jonathan Thomas could be next in line to receive a new deal. Still only twenty-one, Thomas has publicly stated his desire to comitt to the Lyn Jones coached outfit.