Share

Sonny Bill linked to Crusaders

Christchurch - Sonny Bill Williams will begin his quest for an All Blacks jersey in Christchurch on July 30 after deciding to play for Canterbury in the national provincial championship and the Crusaders in next year's Super 15 competition.

According to Rugby Heaven correspondent Brad Walter, Williams, who will move to New Zealand after his second professional fight in Brisbane next Wednesday night on the undercard of Anthony Mundine's KO To Drugs event, has again put his goal of playing in next year's World Cup before money by joining Canterbury.

In doing so, he turned down a far more lucrative deal with the ambitious Hawkes Bay outfit, which has been reported as being twice what North Harbour were prepared to pay and included luxury accommodation and a prestige car.

Counties-Manukau, who have signed Williams's mentor Tana Umaga in a playing and assistant coach role, had also made a tempting to offer to Williams, 24, whose family were keen for him to return home to Auckland. But the former NRL superstar believes that playing alongside the likes of Dan Carter and Richie McCaw at NPC and Super rugby level will give him the best chances of fulfilling his ambition to play for the All Blacks in the 2011 World Cup.

Williams, who has signed with the NZRU until the end of the tournament, which will be staged in New Zealand after the Super 15 season, has three goals - to earn All Blacks selection, to be the best All Blacks representative he can possibly be and to play in the World Cup-winning team.

After that he has the option of returning to Europe, where he was offered a world record $6 million three-year deal to stay at French club Toulon, playing in the NRL or remaining in New Zealand. Canterbury are the defending NPC champions, while the Crusaders are the most successful team in the history of Super rugby - having won the competition seven times since its inception in 1996.

The Crusaders, who are coached by former All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder, finished fourth this season - the best of the five New Zealand teams.

Williams's first match for Canterbury will be in the opening round of the NPC against Hawkes Bay at Christchurch's AMI Stadium on Friday, July 30.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE