Auckland Blues aim for Sonny Bill Williams for 2012 Super Rugby season
After the All Blacks had confirmed the extension of Sonny Bill Williams’ tenure with New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) on July 25, Pat Lam, who coaches the Auckland Blues, mentioned that Williams has a huge pool of options to pick his 2012’s Super 15 club association.
The question of Williams’ extension with All Blacks until the end of 2012 has eventually settled and was well received by the NRZU. Williams’ agent, Khoder Nasser, had confirmed earlier in the day that the news of his return to NRZU had pacified them as
many of New Zealand players were ending their subsequent terms after Rugby World Cup 2011.
William has not yet confirmed his future with his current Super 15 teams that include the Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues. However, according to Lam, Williams himself contacted Blues and showed an inclination towards sealing a future deal with them.
William’s will need to make a decision about the matter quickly because the finalised outfits for Super Rugby 15 are to be announced at the latest by October.
While expressing his thoughts about Williams’ choices, Lam stated, “He's got a tough decision to make but we just have to be patient. We are definitely interested in him but it has to be his choice. We just have to sit back now and let Sonny Bill make the
call. There are a lot of factors for him to weigh up.”
Williams himself is not sure what to do at this point in time but is hoping to reach the decision before Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011. While talking about this important decision that is yet to be reached Williams stated, “That's a tough one. I'm torn in a
few directions.”
Williams confirmed that the basic reason he has returned to play with New Zealand is that he wanted to represent the All Blacks.
Commenting on his return to All Blacks, Williams stated, “I'm committed to staying here for another year. It's due to the fact that the amount of support that I've got back in New Zealand has been pretty humbling and cool at the same time. At this stage
it's just one more year but things could change.”
He was of the opinion that his future with All Blacks does not draw a concrete line of one year alone as his plans may change and lead to a further extension. All he wishes to do is to continue with his hard work.
Williams further mentioned that the All Blacks brand has global appeal. The All Blacks popularity in countries like France where English is not understood was impressive to the player and appealed to him.
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