SCRUM-half Rhodri Williams will leave Bristol Rugby at the end of the season after signing to join the Welsh region, the Dragons.

Bristol confirmed on Monday that, even if the GKIA Championship side win promotion to the Aviva Premiership, Williams will be on his way back across the Severn Bridge.

And there could be two more Welshmen at Ashton Gate who are bound for the Newport-based Pro14 region with full-back Jordan Williams and prop Ryan Bevington both targeted by Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman.

The raid on Bristol comes in the wake of the Dragons now being back by the Welsh Rugby Union, who bought the region at the tail end of the last season, plus the new rules about eligibility to play at international level there.

Those new rules, which have seen scrum-half Rhys Webb fall foul after he recently signed for French outfit Toulon, mean that only players based in Wales or who play outside the Principality and have sixty or more caps to their name, can wear the red jersey in the future.

Williams’ switch to the Dragons could see him mount a challenge for the national number nine jersey again, and Bristol head coach Pat Lam said he hopes that is the case in the future.

Williams has made twenty-seven appearances for Bristol, touching down for seven tries so far in the Greene King IPA Championship.

“We’re really pleased for Rhodri and he leaves with our blessing. When I first saw him play while coaching Connacht, I knew what an outstanding young talent he was,” said Lam.

“There’s a fire burning inside Rhodri to represent his country again. We believe he’s good enough to play for Wales and nothing will make me prouder than to see him pull on the red jersey once again.

“Rhodri has been in great form for us so far and he’s focused on working hard and helping us achieve our ambitions this season.”

Williams has made three appearances for Wales, since a debut versus Tonga in 2013.

The 24 year-old added: “It has been a difficult decision to leave Bristol Rugby, but it’s been massive for me to have the support of Pat Lam and the club throughout the process.

“My time at Bristol has been really enjoyable and it’s a tight-knit group of players who are all working towards the same goal. Obviously, I have international ambitions with Wales and I’m eager to fulfil them.

“For the remainder of the season however, I’m absolutely committed to Bristol and helping the team achieve promotion.”