Williams has agreed a three-year deal, quashing fears in Wales that he could be on the move to France, with Castres having reportedly lined up a substantial six-figure offer.

The Ospreys wing has scored 15 tries in 18 Tests for Wales, and was a star performer during last years World Cup, which featured a dazzling touchdown against New Zealand in Sydney.

The 27-year-olds decision to stay in Wales comes as international team-mates Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones consider their futures, with Toulouse and Montferrand, respectively, chasing them.

I am over the moon to be staying on with the Ospreys, said Williams.

While, of course, its extremely flattering to receive the sort of offer I did from France, it was not something I ever seriously considered. I am settled in Wales, and I am staying in Wales.

This is a very exciting time to be at the Ospreys. The club is really coming into its own, and I am loving every minute of playing rugby here.

The club has made huge progress since the start of the season, particularly in terms of the structures and professionalism, he added.

We have excellent players, excellent staff and excellent management and, while its taking time for this impact to be fully felt, its beginning to happen and I know the best is yet to come.

I am also conscious that my personal level of rugby is consistently rising, the level of rugby in Wales is rising and, as weve seen, the level of the national team is rising.

Ive been proud to have played for my country so many times, and this is something that I want to keep doing.