Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed a switch to sevens rugby to chase his dream of being in the Olympics as he was on Wednesday named in the initial New Zealand sevens training squad for 2016.
The serial code-hopper has shifted between league and union in recent years as well as dabbling in boxing, where he has won all seven of his heavyweight bouts.
The 30-year-old is currently with the All Blacks and in line to make their squad for the World Cup, starting in England next month, after being part of their championship-winning side four years ago.
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But Williams said he rated becoming an Olympian as the greatest feat an athlete could achieve and said he would not play Super Rugby next year as he would focus fully on getting to Rio.
“Going back in time the best sportsmen ever have been Olympians. (Usain) Bolt, (Muhammad) Ali, the list goes on. It’s just an amazing opportunity to become one of those,” he said.
New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens believes Williams will adjust easily to the faster game.
“Sonny Bill Williams is a great athlete and has shown he can adapt very easily to the demands of rugby. I see him adjusting very well to the fast pace of sevens,” Tietjens said. “He’ll be a great attacking weapon with his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload.”
