SBW 'available' for All Blacks

Wellington - Star centre Sonny Bill Williams says he is ready to delay his departure to play club rugby in Japan and instead represent New Zealand in the first two matches in next month's inaugural Rugby Championship.

Williams was not expected to be considered for the four-nation Test series, involving New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

But injuries to Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui prompted All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to ask Williams to be available.

Williams said "of course I'd love to (play) if all the things are right on the Japanese front."

Williams has signed for Japan's Panasonic Wild Knights on what is thought to be the largest one-season contract in rugby union history before returning to Australia's National Rugby League in 2013.