Haven have snapped up a Kiwi playmaker as they look to mount a challenge in the Championship next season.

The Recreation Ground side has looked overseas to bolster their squad for 2021 with 20-year-old scrum-half Nikau Williams the latest signing for Gary Charlton's men.

Williams has signed a one-year deal with Haven and Charlton says he is delighted to welcome him on board.

He said: “Nikau is a good fit for us. Everyone knows we’ve been looking for a scrum half that can lead us round the field.

"He’s got a good kicking game and he fits in with what we were looking for. I’m delighted we were able to get his signature.”

Williams has played rugby league since he was a child in Auckland and then, when his family moved to Melbourne, in the Victoria State system.

He played at Canterbury Bulldogs Under 20’s before joining the Melbourne Storm Under 20’s. He then signed for New South Wales, Canterbury Cup side, Newtown Jets.

And he is relishing the challenge of coming over to the UK.

He added: “I’m looking forward to getting over and meeting the boys and testing myself in the Championship.

"I’ve wanted to play in England for a while and when I got the chance I couldn’t turn it down.”

Delighted Haven chairman, Tom Todd, said the new signing brought back memories of a previous talent at the club.

He said: "It is really rewarding to announce yet another signing from Australia. We have searched, as you all know, for quite a long time to find that elusive scrum half to get the team going forward on the attack.

"After a difficult search the football committee has found a good signing in Nikau Williams. A Kiwi by birth he has lived since the age of 12 in Melbourne. He has played for Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm under 20's.

"I have seen some footage and he did remind me a little of Dave Watson. He looks strong, nippy and has an excellent kicking game."

And Todd also thanked the Whitehaven Vice President's Club for helping to secure the signing.

He added: "As I have said previously Gary's team is coming together very well and is creating an air of excitement. Well done to all concerned and a special thanks to the Vice President's who are generously paying the airfares involved.

"It's fantastic when you see all the hard earned fund raising going into something specific – and when you support the various Vice President's initiatives and others you can feel that you have personally helped to get this player here so well done to everyone who supports us. Roll on 2021.”