A two-year spell with Aironi followed, before Williams arrived in Ulster - a club with which he would become synonymous - in 2012.
In three-and-a-half seasons he has accrued 59 GUINNESS PRO12 appearances, 12 tries and a loyal following among the Ulster faithful.
A fruitful stay in Belfast is set to come to an end this summer, but the PRO12 won't be waving goodbye to Williams as he prepares to join Cardiff Blues.
"Nick has been one of the stand-out performers in the GUINNESS PRO12 for the last few seasons," said Blues head coach Danny Wilson when the signing was unveiled.
You wouldn't bet against the destructive back-rower continuing to be exactly that in the next few seasons, too.
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