The 21-year-old is a product of the Super League club’s academy and made his debut for his country against France in 2007.

Williams broke into the Rhinos first team at the age of 19 and was a prolific tryscorer for the Yorkshire club before enjoying a productive spell on loan with Castleford.

"He's extremely tough, very physical in contact and an outstanding finisher," said Falcons assistant coach Alan Tait, who was instrumental in bringing about the transfer.

"Danny would fall into 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."