Gloucestershire have shored up their fast-bowling stocks by signing Will Williams on a contract that runs until the close of the 2028 season. The New Zealand-born seamer, 32, will arrive from Lancashire once the current campaign finishes.
Williams has been a steady presence for Lancashire since switching hemispheres in 2022, yet opportunities have been limited in 2025. Three first-class outings and a solitary List A appearance belie a record that stands at 99 Championship wickets for the county at a shade over 24 apiece. Lancashire did put an extension on the table, but the lure of a more central role in Bristol proved decisive.
Gloucestershire’s need is obvious. In the space of a few weeks Ajeet Singh Dale, Zaman Akhter, Tom Price and Dom Goodman have all confirmed moves elsewhere. Singh Dale is heading to Old Trafford in a direct swap of sorts, Akhter travels east to Essex, while Price and Goodman are bound for Sussex. Replacing that quartet required experience as well as overs in the legs.
“It is not often a player becomes available still in the peak of their career with a bowling record like Will’s,” head coach Mark Alleyne said. “That alone would have been enough to attract our interest, but after a couple of meetings, it was clear this lad is a lot more than a high-performing bowler. He has the character I love in a cricketer and is prepared to commit totally to the cause.”
Williams, who holds dual UK-NZ citizenship and therefore counts as a local, began his professional journey with Canterbury, spending a decade in Christchurch conditions that reward accuracy rather than sheer pace. That grounding should travel well to Division Two surfaces.
“I’m really excited for this new chapter in my life. Speaking to Mark, it’s clear the club has strong ambitions, and he’s made it clear how I fit into those plans,” Williams said. “From the outside, Gloucestershire has always looked like a tight-knit, hardworking group. I’m keen to bring my experience, learn from the environment, and hopefully make a positive impact on and off the field. I can’t wait to get started and to make Gloucestershire and Bristol my new home.”
For Gloucestershire, the signing ticks two boxes: it restores some balance to a depleted attack and signals to supporters that the club remain intent on challenging for promotion. Lancashire, meanwhile, back their production line to fill the gap, though seeing a proven performer depart to a divisional rival may raise a few eyebrows in Manchester.
Either way, Williams’ move underlines how fluid the county market remains, particularly for players who, like him, can slot into a side without occupying an overseas berth. Gloucestershire hope that flexibility translates into wickets—and perhaps a return to Division One—over the next three summers.
