Ali Williams dazzling back in form
The 29-year-old All Black’s lock, Alexander James Ali Williams is all set for his return to the game he is built for. The 6 ft 7 incher Razzle Dazzle is getting familiar to his new short-term home in England, as he is recovering quickly from second Achilles
tendon injury. Williams has missed all of the season this year, due to his injury in a Blues’ practice match, however, he is looking forward to play at least four games for Nottingham. Ali Williams will experience Championship Rugby for the first time, when
he will play at the reserved confines of Billesley Common.
Alexander James Williams started playing rugby at the age of seventeen at junior level. He became a member of King’s College First XV in 1999. This was the point where he decided to take this sport seriously. He had been representing Auckland in other sports
like cricket, tennis and soccer too. He professionally joined rugby after his selection at provincial level. He played his first National Provincial Championship in 2001 against Taranaki. He was then selected for Auckland Blues, and the following year for
Super 12. During his tenure at Super 12 he was called by All Blacks to play against Wales, England and France. Williams thus made his international debut against England at Twickenham in 2002.
This current move by the 29-year-old is a step forward for him. The 61 Test cap holder was given a green signal by New Zealand Rugby union to initiate his return procedure. Nottingham has six games lined up in 2011’s first month. Williams will play four
out of them and is expected to return to Auckland Blues in Super 15. He has to go through all these steps to end up playing in the All Blacks’ World Cup squad. He is eagerly waiting to go for the big one. "Playing for Nottingham is the first step along that
route. I'm reasonably fit but I need games to get match fit. I'll see how the leg goes.” said Ali Williams. He further said, “The club's ambition is to make the Premiership and I'd love to think that I could help them towards that goal."
Williams landed in Birmingham late Monday night and met the squad at the training session. He was delighted to find six New Zealanders in the same squad. He said, “It’s like being home.” Williams accepted that he is unaware of the standard of rugby in Championship,
but he is ready to face the unseen and learn from it. The Razzle Dazzle is quite aware about the significance of being on that pitch.
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