Crusaders impatient to retain Sonny Bill Williams after concluding his current deal - Super Rugby News
The Crusaders are excited to retain the services of their versatile player, Sonny Bill Williams, as his current contract with the Christchurch based derby comes to an end after the forthcoming Rugby World Cup 2011. However, Bill Williams has not decided
his future with New Zealand Rugby Union as yet. Williams has been reported to have received new deals by other New Zealander derbies for the next seasons of Super Rugby.
Sonny Bill Williams played his first Super Rugby Championship this year for the Crusaders and asserted his position in the side. Apart from rugby, Williams is also a boxer and is allowed to fight four bouts in a year by New Zealand Rugby Union. Recently
he competed in the fourth match of this year and was able to remain unbeaten. As Williams is very eager to carry on both the games simultaneously, he will be seeking a flexible contract.
He missed couple of matches in the ongoing Super Rugby season due to various injuries, but on the whole he has performed well for his team. He scored 20 points for the Crusaders in 12 games he played this year.
Talking to reporters, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said that they are trying to convince Williams to stay with the Crusaders at least for another year. He further said that, "We are working really hard on keeping him as a Crusader and we would like to
think he will stay with the Crusaders next year. We are talking to Sonny and his agent – we are meeting with Khoder [Williams' agent Khoder Nasser] in a couple of weeks to have a good discussion about next season."
He further told the media that Williams is expected to make a decision during next week as he is suffering with a foot injury from the previous game against the Blues. Blackadder claimed that he will be available for their last round match of Super Rugby.
"He could be right for next week. He was 50-50 before the Blues game but we decided he just wasn't quite right."
Earlier on Blackadder has asked NZRU to offer Williams as flexible deal similar to the ones they had made with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
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