New Zealand’s rugby sensation Sonny Bill Williams has announced his intention to return to the NRL with an un-named club after a six-month spell playing in Japan for Panasonic Wild Knights.
Williams is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league and has made 17 appearances for the All Blacks since his debut at Twickenham in November 2010.
The 26-year old started his career with NRL side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2004 before switching to rugby union in 2008 when he moved to French club Toulon. Over the past two years Williams has played for the Crusaders and the Chiefs but will return to playing rugby league in 2013.
Japan’s Top League season begins on 17th August and Williams is expected to earn over £1million during his short time with Panasonic Wild Knights. Williams spoke of a ‘handshake agreement’ with an un-named NRL club and said he had to honour the promise he made several years ago.
In a press-conference today Williams said: “I would like to announce that I will be leaving New Zealand after the Super Rugby season, joining the Panasonic Wild Knights. I will not be playing in the 2013 Super Rugby season.
“This is due to a handshake agreement I made a few years ago, before I had even come back to New Zealand, with an NRL club. I haven’t signed anything yet so I am not in a position to elaborate on that.”
Williams is believed to be heading to Sydney Roosters after his six months in Japan. The player was part of the New Zealand squad which won the World Cup last year and he has not ruled out a return to rugby union in the future.
“One day I would love to come back but in saying that I’m not going to hold my breath because there are some great players here coming through who deserve all that they get.
“I’ve chosen my path and now I’ve got to walk it.
“I didn’t think I would love it as much as I have here. To be honest, I feel I’ve found my place here at the Chiefs, with the boys, but it just goes back to I’ve given someone my word. This was a while ago and I’ve had to go on with that, even though it’s tough.”
Williams has always made headlines during his career. He was heavily criticised after walking out on the NRL in 2008, just 18 months into a five-year contract but he has impressed as rugby union player and will be missed by the All Blacks and the Chiefs.
Not only a rugby star, Williams is the current New Zealand Professional Boxing Association (NZPBA) Heavyweight Champion after winning all five of his heavyweight bouts. During his time in Japan he is expected to box again in November.
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