CHINNOR fly half Richard Williams has revealed he almost left the club this summer before a new job came his way.

The 25-year-old Welshman has started every game for Chinnor this season and is now playing three divisions higher than he was with Grove 18 months ago.

But having finished as a PE teacher at King Alfred's School, Wantage, he was all set for a change.

Williams said: "I was planning to move to New Zealand in the summer and play rugby over there for a year.

"But then this job opportunity arose and everything clicked together."

The job in question is community rugby coach at Oxford Brookes University, which means Williams is involved with the sport on a daily basis.

Williams helps develop Brookes' second, third and women's teams.

And ironically he coaches their first team alongside Matt Maudsley, the director of rugby at Chinnor's big rivals Oxford Harlequins.

"Contrary to what people may think it is working well," Williams joked.

"We train midweek and some of the guys play for Quins on a Saturday.

"It's a nice change for me, working with older students rather than those at secondary school."

As for rugby being his work and hobby, Williams said: "When things are going well, it is excellent.

"But when you lose a few matches it can be difficult because I can't get away from the sport.

Williams played in Welsh Division 1 for Aberavon before moving to Oxfordshire, but he often found himself on Chinnor's bench in the second half of last season.

Despite this, he was still confident of making an impact in the National League.

Williams said: "I knew I could play to a reasonably good standard and the move to Chinnor has really helped me accomplish that.

"I finished up playing the last couple of games last season and then started all the pre-season games.

"That seemed to go pretty well, so I was ready for it.

"The service I have been getting off Danny Wiseman in the last two weeks has helped as well.

"It's been a good start for me and I have been enjoying my rugby.

"I think the confidence is coming out now.

"It was a big step coming from Grove to Chinnor, but the coaching staff have really helped me.

"I think the more games I have had, the more confidence I have had."

*WASPS and England winger Tom Voyce is to coach Chinnor's backs.

Voyce has agreed to take some training sessions at Kingsey Road after speaking with Chinnor 2nd player Phil Scott-Priestley.

Scott-Priestley works at a clay pigeon range in High Wycombe near where Wasps play and managed to pull a few strings.