A FORMER Mold RUFC starlet has sensationally become a full rugby league international just months after switching codes. Rhys Williams, one of the most promising players ever to step off the Chester Road club’s production line and tipped to break into the big time, got over his disappointment at being released by Llanelli Scarlets in the most dramatic style by winning his first Wales cap in Friday’s live Sky Sports clash with England. And now the 18-year-old from Mynydd Isa is aiming to leave the Scarlets with even redder faces by making his Super League debut with his new club Warrington Wolves. Rhys said: “It came as a massive shock to get in the squad in the first place, but I tried to put that aside and focus on impressing the coaches by doing enough to get in the team. “I did that and it was an amazing experience to go up against those England players, but also a little overwhelming. “I had a really good chance to score but I couldn’t get over, which I put down to my inexperience at playing at that level. But hopefully I’ll get more games under my belt, make my Super League debut and get better as a player.” Rhys’ remarkable rise began when long-term admirers Warrington snapped him up after the Celtic League giants decided not to renew his contract at the end of last season. And it was the father of league legend and current England union international Andy Farrell who played a crucial role in convincing the ex-Argoed High School student to move across to the 13-man game. Rhys, who joined the Scarlets’ academy when he was 16, said: “I was recommended to Warrington by Peter Farrell, whose the club’s chief scout, after he first came to watch me play for Mold when we used to play our games in England. “I originally went to Warrington on a trial basis, but everything went well and I’m now contracted there for next year. “I’d never played rugby league before signing for Warrington. I always saw it as an option but I never really thought too seriously about it until this opportunity came. It was a shame to leave the Scarlets, but that’s business and I can’t fault them. I just want to do well for Warrington now.” Having joined Warrington’s academy in June, Rhys, whose younger brother Gavin is on the books of the Guinness Premiership’s London Wasps, was selected for the Wales squad for last month’s Under 18s European Championships in Prague. And the winger took his chance to shine by being named player of the tournament as the young Dragons beat the hosts Czech Republic, England and then France to be crowned champions. A call-up to John Dixon’s senior squad followed for the friendly with England at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium. England, captained by Warrington star Martin Gleeson, swept aside their inexperienced opponents 74-0. | 
Flintshire Sport 
