All Blacks star centre Sonny Bill Williams to extend his stay with NZRU - Rugby news
Auckland born New Zealand rugby union player, Sonny Bill Williams (SBW), will extend his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). SBW’s agent, Khoder Nasser, confirmed the extension
in SBW's stay with NZRU, while talking to reporters on Saturday, July 23.
Nasser said, “We have told the NZRU they don't need to worry about next year anymore.” The news came as a great moment of relief for NZRU who are expecting out flow of several of their All
Blacks players at the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
SBW signed a contract with the NZRU to join the former Super Rugby champions Crusaders during the 2010 Super Rugby season. Commenting on SBW’s decision to stay with NZRU, Nasser added, “Sonny
feels a moral obligation to stay in New Zealand for another year after the hospitality that the New Zealand public has shown him.”
Nasser also confirmed the SBW will continue to pursue his professional boxing career.
The 25-year-old SBW started his professional rugby union career with the French Top 14 outfit Toulon after he switched codes to join Toulon in 2008. He played 33 matches for the Toulon and
scored 30 points.
During midyear 2010, SBW parted ways with the French Top 14 side and signed new contract with the NZRU provincial and state side Canterbury. He made his ITM Cup debut for Canterbury in 2010
season while he made his Super Rugby debut for Crusaders in 2011.
Nasser confirmed that their initial plan was to stay with NZRU for a year. However; different circumstances have forced a change in the decision. He said, “Mentally, the intention had always
been to only stay for a year but he's realised that he owes something to Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Todd Blackadder. He's going to do another year and the NZRU will continue to allow him to pursue his dreams in other sports at the same time.”
SBW is part of the All Blacks squad for their 2011 Tri Nations campaign. The powerful centre made his international debut for All Blacks during their European tour, in 2010. He is expected
to start in the starting xv of All Blacks in their upcoming Tri Nations encounter against the Springboks on July 30.
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