Williams joins Falcons

1:10pm Friday 25th July 2008

Newcastle Falcons have persuaded Leeds Rhinos' England winger Danny Williams to switch codes.

The 21-year-old is a product of the Super League club's academy and made his debut for his country against France in 2007.

"He's extremely tough, very physical in contact and an outstanding finisher," said Falcons assistant coach Alan Tait. "Danny would fall into the same sort of bracket as Chris Ashton, who has been such a success at Northampton, admittedly at a lower level than the Guinness Premiership, but I'm really excited about him coming here for this season."

He added: "His size and pace will be real assets for us, and what has impressed me a lot is the hunger he has to make a success of switching to rugby union.

"He has come through a real tough competitive environment at Leeds Rhinos, done well on loan at Hull and Castleford, and there were a host of Super League teams after him."

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