Wales centre Scott Williams will swap the Scarlets for the Ospreys next season with Samoa’s Kieron Fonotia moving in the opposite direction.

Williams has signed a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium and will leave the Guinness PRO14 champions at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old won his 50th cap against New Zealand last weekend after initially being left out of an autumn squad that featured Dragons centre Tyler Morgan, his regional teammates Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parks plus his future Ospreys midfield partner Owen Watkin.

“I hope it goes without saying that this has not been an easy decision for me, but ultimately, I feel it is a move that is the right option for me at this time in my career,” said Williams.

“I’ve loved every minute of my 11 years at the Scarlets. I will always be grateful to the board, (head coach) Wayne (Pivac) and his team, and all associated with the club, for their support over those years

“I am now looking forward to a fresh challenge at the Ospreys.

“I’m excited about the their mid and long-term plans and goals, and my role there as a senior player. I hope it will allow me to continue improving and developing, both as a player and as a person, which is a great motivator for me.”

Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy said: “Scott is a quality player who has consistently delivered at the highest level of the game and would be a welcome addition to any squad.

“He is someone we have admired for some time, a leader who has captained Wales and the Scarlets, and he is the kind of signing that excites supporters.

“For us to secure his signature in the face of real competition is a significant statement of intent about what we are trying to do at the Ospreys and our ambition to ensure we can continue to compete at the top end.”

Fonotia, 28, joined the Ospreys from the Crusaders last year and stays in Wales as Williams’ direct replacement.