Williams, 21, has joined Falcons on a one-year deal, due to begin on August 4.

Click here to watch the latest edition of the Sin Bin.


The move was masterminded by Newcastle assistant-coach Alan Tait, who starred for Leeds at rugby league in the 1990s.

Tait said: "He's extremely tough, very physical in contact and an outstanding finisher.

"Danny would fall in to 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.

"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."

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "Danny Williams has always done his best for the Rhinos and he leaves with our very best wishes."

Williams scored 12 tries in 15 senior appearances for Rhinos in 2006, before spells on loan with Castleford and Hull.

He has made three first team appearances this year, all as a substitute, but was not offered a contract for next season.