Saracens hooker Jamie George labels future signing Tomos Williams a 'world-class No. 9' as Gloucester scrum-half is beaten by future employers
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Published 27/12/2025 at 19:44 GMT
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Tomos Williams faced Saracens for Gloucester two days after it was announced he was signing for the London club next summer. The Wales scrum-half was involved in two of his side's three tries, but it proved in vain as the visitors emerged with an entertaining 30-21 win at Kingsholm Stadium. England hooker Jamie George is looking forward to teaming up with the "world-class" No. 9 next season.
'He's a world-class 9' - George thrilled by 'brilliant' Williams signing for Saracens
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jamie George says he is relishing the arrival of Tomos Williams next summer at Saracens, claiming the Wales scrum-half is a "world-class" No. 9 who will add to the club's enviable competition for places.
Williams has been a stand-out player for Gloucester since joining The Cherry and Whites in 2024, captaining the side this season, having been named the division's Player of the Season last June.
On Christmas Day, it was announced that he would be joining Saracens for the start of the 2026/27 campaign, and barely 48 hours later, he came face-to-face with his future employers at a packed-out Kingsholm Stadium.
Theo McFarland struck twice as the visitors overcame their struggling opponents 30-21, bringing an end to their own run of three consecutive Gallagher PREM defeats.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Saracens and England hooker George admitted he was "very happy" to see the club signing a "special" talent in Williams after the two sides faced off.
"It was interesting," George said with a smile, reflecting on the bonus Christmas gift for Sarries fans.
"I'm very happy that he's signed. I knew about it potentially a little bit before. He's a brilliant signing, he's a brilliant guy.
"We saw his quality today, so I'm really excited about that."
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Van Zyl runs in 'stunning' try to secure bonus point for Saracens
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When asked what it was like being in the peculiar position of not wanting to injure a future team-mate, George said: "I can hurt him - just a little bit!
"Honestly, he's a world-class No. 9, and I worked with him a little bit in the summer. He's one guy where you stood back and thought, 'Wow, this guy's special'.
"Then, obviously, you hear the early conversations that are happening with the club, and that could skyrocket us, given that we've got the likes of Ivan van Zyl and Charlie Bracken as well. So, we've got real strength in depth there now."
It was confirmed earlier in December that Williams would not be extending his stay at Gloucester beyond next summer, bringing to an end two seasons at the club.
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‘One shot, one kill for Saracens’ – Dan scores opening try for visitors
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The 30-year-old was signed from Cardiff following 10 years at The Blues, and he has gone on to replace Lewis Ludlow as captain, scoring 51 points across his 26 appearances to date.
After his stellar first term with Gloucester, Williams was selected for the British & Irish Lions for their 2025 tour to Australia during the summer, but his involvement ended prematurely.
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After scoring two tries against the Western Force, the scrum-half sustained a hamstring injury, which ruled him out for the remainder of the tour.
Saracens' statement released on December 25 read: "Tomos is a player we have rated very highly for a long time, and we believe he will be an outstanding addition to our squad.
"He is a world-class operator, and we are hugely excited to see him pull on a Saracens shirt next season."
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Williams was at the heart of anything good from Gloucester on Saturday
Image credit: Getty Images
Williams said: "I'm really excited to be joining Saracens, a club I have always admired. There are great coaches and players at the club, and I'm looking forward to joining them in the summer."
He was on the wrong end of the scoreline against his next club on Saturday, however, as Saracens brought festive cheer to their travelling fans to keep Gloucester marooned in ninth place.
Typically, Williams was involved in Gloucester's opening score as it was a quick tap and smart hands which allowed Freddie Thomas to force his way over the line to cancel out Theo Dan's opening try.
After the boot of Owen Farrell and the first of McFarland's two tries helped Saracens establish a position of control, it was again Williams who dragged Gloucester back into the contest before the interval as he darted around a maul on the blindside, before lifting a pass for Arthur Clark to cross over.
Saracens' superiority would show after the restart with Farrell at the fore, as it was his cross-field kick that was claimed by flanker McFarland in the corner before Van Zyl put the gloss on the result to serve as a reminder to Williams of the competition that awaits him.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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