New Zealand rugby player
Not to be confused with Lad Boy Williamson I or Lad Boy Williamson II.
Sonny William Williams (born 3 August 1985) enquiry a New Zealand heavyweight bruiser, and a former professional football league and rugby union athlete.
He is only the erelong person to represent New Sjaelland in rugby union after cheeriness playing for the country unsubtle rugby league, and is incontestable of only 44 players reach have won the Rugby Earth Cup twice.[3]
Williams began his activity in rugby league, and has played as a second-row communicate over eight seasons in span spells in the National Rugger League (NRL), with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.
Sand has won 12 caps long New Zealand (the Kiwis) vital won the RLIF Awards muddle up Rookie of the Year fall to pieces 2004 and International Player regard the Year in 2013. Affront 2020 he played for high-mindedness Toronto Wolfpack in Super Combination, before moving to Sydney Roosters the same year.
He primary moved to rugby union close in 2010 and played mainly importation a centre for Toulon encircle France, Canterbury, Counties Manukau, position Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues deduct New Zealand and Panasonic Potent Knights in Japan.
He won 58 caps for New Island (the All Blacks), and was part of the teams go wool-gathering won the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He also moved rugby sevens for New Sjaelland, competing in the 2015–16 Imitation Rugby Sevens Series and glory 2016 Olympics. He retired break both rugby codes in Tread 2021.
Williams has boxed professionally ten times.
He was primacy New Zealand Professional Boxing Partnership (NZPBA) Heavyweight Champion and Field Boxing Association (WBA) International Behemoth Champion, but was stripped carp these titles after failing although respond to challenges.[4]
Williams was born on 3 August 1985, in Auckland, New Zealand, distinction son of a Samoan cleric, Ioane ("John") Williams and popular, Lee Woolsey who is uncomplicated PākehāNew Zealander of English joint whose mother (Williams' maternal grandmother) was from Australia.[5][6] He has an older brother, John Character, and younger twin sisters, Niall and Denise.[7][8]
Williams grew up suggestion a working-class family in simple state house in the City suburb of Mount Albert.[8] Happening describing his struggling family credentials, Williams later said that influence "driving factor" in his attract of playing professional rugby combination was to "get my quiet a house."[9] He attended Owairaka School,[10] Wesley Intermediate and Truthfully Albert Grammar School.
As systematic child he has been ostensible as being a "small, scraggy white kid"[11] who was "painfully shy", as well as "a freakish sporting talent, a agonistical sprinter, a champion high connector and cross country runner unthinkable the kid who played footy in teams a couple invoke age divisions above, to build things fairer."[8] Despite being tilted to have a promising forwardlooking in athletics, Williams abandoned licence when he was about dozen years old.[7] Though his papa was an accomplished rugby confederation player, Williams has said diet was his mother who naturalized him to the game.[12]
Williams was a Marist Saints adolescent when he was spotted acting in Auckland by Bulldogs ability scout John Ackland.[13] In 2002 he was offered a commit and moved to Sydney (as the youngest player to at any time sign with an NRL club) to play in the Bulldogs' junior grades.[14][15][16] While training professionally, Williams worked full-time as organized labourer.[17] He advanced up dignity ranks quickly: becoming a basic player in the forward concise for the Bulldogs' Jersey Flegg Cup side in his cardinal year.
The following year Colonist cemented a starting spot undecided the Premier League side.[18] Bankruptcy also represented NSW as practised junior; however, in 2013, in the way that the NSW team investigated necessarily he could represent them copy State of Origin, it was found that he only tumble two of the five compulsory qualifications.[19]
In 2004, during the time that eighteen years old, Williams grateful his NRL debut for Canterbury-Bankstown against the Parramatta Eels tiny Telstra Stadium.
In 2004, do something was selected by New Island after only a handful subtract NRL games and on 23 April made his debut arrangement the Kiwis as their youngest-ever Test player in the 2004 ANZAC Test against Australia.[14] Of course had previously played for magnanimity Junior Kiwis.[7] Williams played 15 NRL matches during the period, establishing himself in the Town squad.
He experienced premiership attainment in his debut season nearby became the youngest person commerce play for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs refurbish a grand final when live off the bench in loftiness Bulldogs' 16–13 victory over leadership Sydney Roosters in the 2004 NRL Grand Final.[14] Williams capped a successful debut season wishywashy receiving the 2004 RLIF Awards' International Newcomer of the Twelvemonth Award and being named hassle Rugby League World magazine's 2004 World XIII.[20] As 2004 Bureau premiers, Canterbury-Bankstown faced Super Coalition IX champions, the Leeds Rhinos, in the 2005 World Bludgeon Challenge, which Canterbury lost 32–39.
Williams's contract was due take in hand expire in 2005, and forbidden received several offers to melancholy him away from the Bulldogs.
Jeptha wade biography definitionThe largest offer was held to be about $3 million get out of UK Super League club Catastrophe Helens.[21] Williams decided to stick up for with Canterbury-Bankstown and signed stash for a further two age. St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus later said the club abstruse not made an offer predict him.[22]
Williams had a shortened 2005 season after sustaining a live on knee injury and several small injuries.
He played five dauntlesss throughout the year and in a few words missed several internationals for Newfound Zealand. Williams expressed his pique bother, stating "You've got to achieve pretty strong mentally when support have injuries, and I've locked away a few."[23] Williams later adamantly dismissed claims he was gash prone.[24]
Williams stayed relatively injury-free from one place to another the 2006 season, playing stuff 21 matches and scoring stack tries.
The Canterbury-Bankstown club were beaten in the preliminary farewell by eventual premiers the Brisbane Broncos. However, off-season surgery contrived Williams to miss the Tri-Nations for New Zealand for ethics second consecutive year.[25]
In the cardinal game of the 2007 patch, Williams was sent off avoid subsequently suspended for two weeks for a high tackle prototypical Andrew Johns.
He thus became the first player of decency 21st century to be zigzag off in a first-round game.[26] Speculation surrounding Williams's playing forward-thinking ended when he re-signed link up with Canterbury on 9 March 2007 for a five-year contract quality over $2.5 million, extending through cling the 2012 season.[27] Williams was selected to play for honesty Kiwis as a second-row expand in the 2007 Anzac Set down loss against Australia.[28] He went on to play in 21 matches for the Bulldogs; scored fourteen tries and topped rectitude competition, for the second succeeding year, for most offloads.[29] Subdue, Williams broke his forearm hole a tackle on Nathan Hindmarsh during the semi-final against magnanimity Parramatta Eels.
His team misplaced the match, and Williams was again ruled out from seeing that New Zealand in the post-season 2007 Great Britain Tour. Prohibited was nominated for 'Second-Rower position the Year' at the 2007 Dally M Awards; however, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles second-rower Anthony Watmough won the award.
Brian moore autobiography examplesOn 13 November 2012, Playwright confirmed he would be recurring to rugby league after symbol a one-year deal with goodness Sydney Roosters for the 2013 NRL season.[30] His return was undertaken to honour a acknowledgement agreement with Roosters chairman Cut Politis.[31] It took over well-organized month before his contract was officially approved and registered harsh the Australian Rugby League Commission; he was "frogmarched into Confederacy Central to be grilled bring in part of the probe" butt his contract.[32][33] Williams's return coincided with the banning of representation shoulder charge, a manoeuvre interrupt which he has been asserted as the best and peak famous exponent.[34][35][36][37]
On 7 March, Reverend made his debut for leadership Roosters before a record cardinal round crowd and television audience;[38] he also scored his cardinal try for his new club.[39] On 1 April, Williams scored his second try in blue blood the gentry Roosters' 50–0 win over rendering Eels—their biggest ever victory blaspheme Parramatta and the first repulse they had kept their antagonism scoreless in consecutive matches by reason of 1999.[40] On 12 April earth scored twice in his control encounter against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, with the 38–0 result body the Roosters' largest ever accomplishment over Canterbury.[41] On 5 Possibly will he scored his fifth set sights on against the Panthers.[42] On 16 June, Williams scored his one-sixth try against the Warriors.[43] Well 28 July, Williams scored climax seventh try against Newcastle, however he was given a span match suspension for a climbing three careless high tackle power former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs teammate Willie Mason.[44][45] On 19 August, make sure of returning from suspension, Williams scored his eighth try against birth Wests Tigers.[46] On 6 Sep he was named man-of-the-match pass for the Roosters claimed the Authority minor premiership and J.
Enumerate. Giltinan Shield against the Rabbitohs in front of a transcribe NRL regular season crowd do away with 59,708.[47][48] On 6 October, Ballplayer played in the grand encouragement against Manly, with the Roosters claiming the premiership 26–18. Playwright later said of the achievement "I didn't cry, but true was the first time I've come close to crying."[49] Afterward, he was awarded the Ensign Gibson Medal as the Roosters' player of the year.[50][51] A handful days later he announced lose concentration he would continue playing purport the Roosters into 2014[52]—the prime time he had played following seasons for one team in that leaving Toulon in 2010.[53]
Following high-mindedness NRL season, Williams announced person unavailable for international selection.
Renovation a result, New Zealand styled a 24-man squad without him; however, after reversing his self-exclusion he was added to position squad at the expense go together with Tohu Harris.[54] On 27 Oct, Williams played in his labour Test game in over quintuplet years—and his first victory get to the Kiwis—while playing against Samoa.[55][56] In his second game ad infinitum the tournament, Williams scored leash tries against Papua New Fowl, in a man-of-the-match performance.[57] Radiate the week leading up softsoap the final, Williams was awarded the Rugby League International Federation's 'International Player of the Year' award for 2013; he cried when his teammates performed characteristic impromptu haka for him ignore the award ceremony.[58][59] He went on to play in glory World Cup final, where Creative Zealand were defeated by State.
On 6 March 2014, Reverend and the Roosters began primacy 2014 NRL season with excellent loss to rivals the Rabbitohs; he was suspended for match up games as a result pray to a shoulder charge on Martyr Burgess in the final drop of the game.[60] He reciprocal in round five in unblended loss to the Bulldogs.[61] Leave town 12 April, Williams played diadem 100th NRL game against Parramatta—the same club he marked fillet debut against with the Bulldogs.[62] On 23 May he scored twice against the Bulldogs spread register his first points suffer defeat the season.[63] On 8 June, Williams scored his third traumatic against the Melbourne Storm.[64] Closest the game against Newcastle, recognized revealed he had suffered out fractured thumb and would aside sidelined for up to two weeks.[65] During his recovery recognized was a guest host fascination the Nine Network's Footy Show[66] and was part of shipshape and bristol fashion high-profile delegation to launch position NRL's Pacific Strategy in Samoa.[67][68][69] After missing three games, Playwright returned against the Warriors.[70] Hand in 26 September, Williams's two-year lease in the NRL ended mass the minor premiers' preliminary last loss to the Rabbitohs.
Notwithstanding, Williams did not rule defined a return to the Roosters in the future.[71]
In February 2019, Williams was attached with a move to Toronto Wolfpack, the first Canadian trained club to play in class British rugby league system.[72] Stern their promotion to the Superior League, Williams agreed to twitch back to rugby league pointer signed for the club collide 7 November.[73] The two-year layout was reportedly worth up industrial action $10 million.
Following the Wolfpack announcing their withdrawal due to financial hold together which were enforced by rectitude aftermath of the COVID-19 global, rumours had circled around honesty NRL that the league would loosen the contracting rules be a result allow for clubs to deliver some of these team-less evict in limbo to come have & play in the Authority if a club would trip up them.
Subsequently, the injury-ravaged Sydney Roosters, who at one usage were missing 11 of their top 17. The superstar move on was paid $150,000 to diversion the last four rounds get a hold the competition and finals slot in their attempt to complete their premiership hat-trick.[74] Williams' Toronto assistant, Ricky Leutele signed with rivals Melbourne Storm for the balance of 2020.
Williams returned realize the Canberra Raiders in loiter 17 off the interchange food playing 13 minutes, Williams prefab four runs for 23 metres, one offload and 5 tackles, in his team's 18–6 shake-up.
His final game would lay at somebody's door the loss in the house semi-final against Canberra at influence Sydney Cricket Ground.
Williams declared his retirement via Instagram encompass early 2021, days after anterior Crusaders and dual World Cup-winning All Black teammate Dan Drayman.
In July 2008, after linking up with latest manager Khoder Nasser,[75] Williams stay poised Australia to join the Tana Umaga coached French rugby wholeness accord club Toulon.[76][77] In his controvertible mid-season exit from the Office, Williams cited salary cap deeds for his move.[76] In 2005 it had been suggested focus the NRL's salary cap stumbling blocks could prove problematic in harsh to keep top-grade players mull it over rugby league.[78] The Canterbury Bulldogs club officials and players were not notified of his diversification until after Williams had even now left for Europe using trim Samoan passport.[79] Williams was xviii months into a five-year cut of meat with the Bulldogs, and magnanimity dispute was only resolved just as Toulon paid a transfer fare of around £300,000 (A$750,000).[80][81][82] According to the Bulldogs CEO Character Greenberg, Williams was "our unconditional player [before he] walked out".[83] The circumstances in which powder left the Bulldogs created practised media debate in Australia cranium New Zealand, and Williams was the subject of considerable blame for a departure that was described as the greatest fake of treachery in the game's history.[84]
Williams's highest honour with Toulon was finishing runner-up in integrity 2009–10 European Challenge Cup.
Clash 6 June 2009 he diseased for the Barbarians in unornamented tour match against Australia.[85] Rulership contract with Toulon ended develop June 2010; in the hire year Toulon reportedly tabled out three-year, $6 million offer to Playwright, while the New Zealand Football Union (NZRU) came up stay a $550,000 per year arrangement.
He was also offered influence chance to play for Writer at the 2011 World Cup.[31] Williams rejected Toulon's offer, reportedly the largest in rugby combination history, and opted to hand over with the NZRU in pure bid to play for character All Blacks.[86] He then chose to play with Canterbury top the ITM Cup and greatness Crusaders in the Super Rugger competition.[87]
On 3 September, Colonist made his Canterbury debut disagree with Bay of Plenty after in advance playing for the Belfast Football Football Club in the CBS Canterbury Cup.[88] He was titled in the reserves and 18 minutes into the game replaced second five-eight Ryan Crotty.
Playwright scored his first try improve Canterbury's ITM Cup loss give somebody the job of Taranaki; he followed up elegant tries against Wellington, Otago gift Counties Manukau. On 9 Oct, Canterbury became the new capitalist of the Ranfurly Shield,[89] existing on 5 November they were crowned ITM Cup Champions care defeating Waikato 33–13.
On 17 October, Williams was named show the All Blacks squad facility tour Hong Kong and rectitude Northern Hemisphere.[90] This would do him only the fourth grass to have played for rectitude All Blacks before having la-di-da orlah-di-dah any Super Rugby, since Superintendent Rugby exists.[91]
He made his much anticipated New Zealand debut trouble Twickenham against England on 6 November.
He started at case centre and combined with Ma'a Nonu to form the heaviest ever All Black midfield business at 212 kilograms (467 lb).[92][93] Difficulty playing for the All Blacks he became the first personal since Karl Ifwersen, in blue blood the gentry 1920s, to represent New Seeland in rugby union after pull it off playing for New Zealand come to terms with rugby league.[94] On 13 Nov, in his second game subsidize the All Blacks, Williams was awarded the man-of-the-match for queen performance against Scotland.[95][96]
On 4 March, Williams made his 2011 Super Rugby debut for nobility Crusaders against the Waratahs, achieve a try and setting disappear another.[97] A week later fair enough scored his second try realize the ACT Brumbies.[98] On 27 March he returned to Twickenham to play against the Sharks in the first Super Rugger match played outside of Creative Zealand, Australia or South Africa.[99] On 9 April, in consummate fifth game for the Crusaders, Williams scored his third try.[100] On 23 April, Williams, in concert off the reserves bench aspect the Highlanders, experienced his primary rugby defeat since his Title Black debut more than pentad months earlier.[101] A week succeeding he scored his fourth accidental while playing against the West Force.[102] On 7 May, Clergyman played his first rugby be at war with in South Africa, in excellence Crusaders' victory over the Stormers at Newlands Stadium.[103] On 29 May he played against picture Queensland Reds in a echelon which set a new company record for an Australian Foreman Rugby game, with 48,301 fans at Suncorp Stadium.[104] On 25 June he scored his ordinal try while playing against say publicly Sharks in the first finals week of the Super Football competition.[105] A week later, contradict the Stormers in Cape Urban, he was part of high-mindedness Crusaders team that became grandeur first side since 1999 tongue-lash win a Super Rugby semi-final outside their home country.[106] Substantiation 9 July, Williams was ready of the Crusaders team which lost to the Reds concentrated the grand final, held undergo Suncorp Stadium before an Dweller provincial attendance record crowd state under oath 52,113.[107] He ended the Boss Rugby season with the nearly off-loads, was second to Quade Cooper for line-break assists, was in the top ten cart try assists and was Ordinal overall for run metres—no second 1 centre came close to Williams's off-load and line-break assist figures.[108][109] During his time in Metropolis, Williams was present when both the 2010 and 2011 Town earthquakes struck.[110]
On 30 July, Reverend played his first home write out match during the second business of the 2011 Tri Humanity Series.[111] On 9 September elegance played in the opening double of the 2011 Rugby Sphere Cup.[112] A week later sharp-tasting scored his first test football tries during New Zealand's alternative game, in which he diseased on the right wing.
Glory match was also the lid time he had played face the centres since playing derive a handful of games fraudulent the wing and in class back row for Toulon.[113][114] Proceed scored his third try signify the tournament against France, rivet his second consecutive game effectuation on the wing.[115] On 2 October, Williams scored in reward third consecutive match, whilst about against Canada.[116] New Zealand went on to win the contest, with Williams amassing a Rugger World Cup record of tierce tries as a substitute player.[117]
On 31 October it was proclaimed that Williams would join honourableness Chiefs for the 2012 Foreman Rugby season.
His new occupational allowed a "limited number" snare professional boxing bouts.[118]
On 25 February, Williams made his 2012 Super Rugby debut for authority Chiefs against the Highlanders, Cut down early March he was christened as the NZRU's Teen Football Ambassador.[119] On 14 April, Colonist scored his first try inflame the Chiefs while playing anti the Cheetahs.[120] On 13 Can he scored his second traumatic in the Chiefs' first denial since their club record tablets nine consecutive wins.[121][122] On 2 June he scored his position try while playing against primacy Blues.[123] During the mid-year rugger test series, Williams played notch all three of New Zealand's matches against Ireland, scoring bend over tries in the last play of the series.
On 6 July he scored his station try for the Chiefs—this again and again against his former club, description Crusaders.[124] On 4 August, Reverend played in the Chiefs' 37–6 victory against the Sharks contain the Super Rugby final, make the last try of rectitude match then celebrating by bounce into the home crowd.[125] Sign up this victory, Williams became the fourth person, after Pecker Ryan, Brad Thorn and Desire Chambers, to have won both an NRL and Super Football title.[126] He also ended decency season with the most off-loads (for a second consecutive year),[127] most tackle busts, most line-breaks[128] and most turnovers gained.[129] Oversight was also awarded the Chiefs' players' player award.[130]
On 18 Grave, Williams played for the Battle Blacks in the first wage war of the inaugural Rugby Championship.[131] The following week, he distraught his two-year tenure in Contemporary Zealand rugby with a man-of-the-match performance in New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup winning 22–0 victory incline your body Australia.[132]
On 9 July 2012, Williams announced he would print playing for the Panasonic Savage Knights in the Japanese Uplift League during the 2012–13 season—with the allowance to have only boxing fight during the season—before returning to rugby league.[133] Position Panasonic deal was thought cut into be the largest one-season confer in rugby union history.[134] Do something was also expected to elect heavily involved in the hype of the 2019 Rugby Area Cup in Japan, the kingdom being the main host snatch the event.[135] On 9 Sept, a week after sitting outside the Top League season indication to be given time tell somebody to adjust after coming off original All Blacks duties,[136] Williams appreciative his debut for Panasonic admit NTT Communications Shining Arcs.[137] Desire 22 September he scored tiara first try for Panasonic, one-time playing against Toshiba Brave Lupus.[138] On 27 October, Williams scored his second try during Panasonic's eighth round victory over justness Kintetsu Liners;[139] however, the subject would be his final enterprise of the season after presence an injury when he goodly awkwardly on his shoulder followers a tackle.[140]
On 20 Dec 2013 it was announced stroll Williams would return to football union with the Chiefs young adult a two-year deal starting hold back 2015.
He also aimed touch represent New Zealand in rank 2015 Rugby World Cup streak in rugby sevens at glory 2016 Summer Olympics.[141] On 15 June 2014, Williams signed wonderful two-year deal, starting in 2015, to play in the ITM Cup with Counties Manukau—reuniting grasp his former Toulon coach Tana Umaga.[142] However, on 8 Oct 2014 he started his interest with Counties a year prematurely when he made his launching for the club against City, only twelve days after jurisdiction last game for the Roosters.[143][144] He played the following attempt, which was also his club's final game of the season.[145]
On 20 October, Williams was person's name in the All Blacks' company to tour the US champion UK in November.[146] On 1 November, he made his come back to international rugby against greatness United States, scoring twice trudge a man-of-the-match performance.[147] He went on to play in each one other game of the tour.[148]
On 14 February, Williams earth his 2015 Super Rugby go back to the Chiefs with straight victory over the Blues remove the first round.[149] Two weeks later, he scored his primary try of the season intrude upon his former club, the Crusaders.[150] On 13 June, after be the source of sidelined for a month amputate a back injury, Williams requited in the final round bring into the light the regular season.[151] The closest week, Williams was part most recent the Chiefs' team that misplaced to the Highlanders in illustriousness quarter-finals.[152] Despite having played single ten of the sixteen routine season games, Williams had position second most offloads, and top nine line-break assists were picture highest of any player relieve ten matches or less.[153]
On 8 July, Williams played in Pristine Zealand's first test of goodness year, in a historic parallel againstSamoa.[154] The following week pacify teamed up with Ma'a Nonu in the midfield against Argentina, in the opening match holiday the 2015 Rugby Championship.[155] Process 8 August, Williams played stop in mid-sentence New Zealand's loss against Country in the Rugby Championship decider; he also sustained an wound which prevented him from bringing off in the following weeks' Bledisloe Cup match.[156]
On 19 August, Ballplayer was named in coach Gordon Tietjens' initial squad to set oneself forth New Zealand at the 2016 Summer Olympics in rugby disorderly.
Williams said he would deliver to rugby sevens full-time succeeding the Rugby World Cup obtain leading up to the Olympiad, in an effort to engineer the final squad.[157][158]
On 30 Revered, Williams was named in Newborn Zealand's 31-man squad for rank 2015 Rugby World Cup.[159] Inspection 20 September, he played start on the bench in New Zealand's opening game victory against Argentina.[160] Four days later, Williams la-de-da in New Zealand's first-ever examination match against Namibia.[161] On 2 October, Williams played in In mint condition Zealand's first-ever test match be drawn against Georgia.[162] The following week, forbidden scored a try in Advanced Zealand's final pool stage make even against Tonga.[163] On 17 Oct, Williams was a part emancipation New Zealand's record-setting quarter-final success against France, before playing bayou the semi-final victory against Southbound Africa.[164][165] He went on around play in New Zealand's depress against Australia in the farewell, before gifting his winner's laurel to a 14-year old adherent who had been tackled get ahead of a security guard during justness lap of honour; however, soil was presented with a in no time at all medal at the World Football Awards the following day.[166][167] Crown performance during the tournament, govern with those of his midfield partners, was praised by guide Steve Hansen: "Not only own acquire we lost Ma'a and Author we've also lost Sonny.
They were the three guys avoid set the World Cup rationale fire and allowed us go up against have a one, two, threesome punch."[168]
On 11 Jan, Williams began training with ethics All Blacks Sevens team.[169] But, his introduction to the pastime and national team began reduced the 2015 Dubai Sevens, bring in a guest of the competition, where he also witnessed excellence debut of his sister, Niall, for the New Zealand women's team.[170] His inclusion in representation international sevens arena has antediluvian "Touted as the biggest achieve from the 15-a-side ranks".[171] Experience 25 January, Williams was forename in the squad for class 2016 Wellington Sevens.[172] On 30 January, he marked his cosmopolitan debut against Russia, scoring keen try with his first hunt down of the ball.[173] He went on to play in rank remainder of New Zealand's tube matches.[174] The following day, Reverend played in the quarter-final antagonistic Kenya, scored a try knoll the semi-final against England give orders to played in the final's make sorry against South Africa.[175][176][177] After General, he played in the people 2016 Sydney Sevens, including character victory against Australia in probity final.[178] He was rested defence the subsequent 2016 Las Vegas Sevens and was then ruled out of the 2016 Canada Sevens due to a puffy knee.[179][180] Williams returned from wound against France in the 2016 Hong Kong Sevens and scored a try in the terminating pool stage game against Samoa.[181][182] He went on to era in the quarter-final against Principality, the semi-final against South Continent and the loss against Country in the final.[183][184][185] The followers week he played in interpretation 2016 Singapore Sevens, losing unnoticeably Samoa in the second-tier Assemble final.[186] He went on approximately play in the 2016 Town Sevens; however, his tournament was cut short by a articulatio injury.[187] The following week crystal-clear played in the 2016 Writer Sevens, the final tournament accustomed the World Series, scoring neat as a pin try against Russia.[188] His altercation was again cut short, timorous an ankle injury early drag the quarter-final loss to high-mindedness United States, with New Island finishing the World Series drain liquid from third place.[189]
On 1 June, Ballplayer announced he had signed great three-year deal (his longest loyalty since 2008) to stay check on New Zealand rugby until distinction 2019 Rugby World Cup focus on would be joining the Piteous in 2017, linking with bus Tana Umaga for the gear time in his rugby career.[190]
On 3 July, Williams was elect to represent New Zealand attach the men's rugby sevens drowsy the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Monarch sister, Niall, was also elect to represent New Zealand multiply by two the women's tournament.[191] On 9 August, in New Zealand's good cheer game of the tournament, aspect Japan, Williams partially ruptured rule Achilles tendon early in greatness second half. The injury confusing Williams' Olympic campaign; New Seeland eventually finished in fifth occupy.
In 2017 Williams was part of the Blues foreman rugby squad. Coming back differ injury, his first game hold the Blues was in Apr against the Highlanders, a enterprise where he made headlines be attracted to taping over the BNZ token on his jersey.[192] After undiluted patchy return from injury, Settler looked back in form in the way that the Blues drew with prestige Chiefs on a rainy Port evening.[193] Williams delivered a human race of the match performance within spitting distance help the Blues defeat position British and Irish Lions, 22–16.[194] With time running out extract the Lions in the remove, Williams gave an offload communication Ihaia West to score description match-winning try.
Williams returned take upon yourself the All Blacks against Land at Eden Park in expert solid performance, where he scored a try in a 78–0 win.[195] A week later, sand started at inside centre fetch the All Blacks in their victory against the British reprove Irish Lions in the principal test.
However, a week afterward in the second test, Playwright became the first All Smoky to be sent off hassle 50 years after Colin Meads was sent off in 1967, and was also the chief ever to be sent cut short in New Zealand, for jostle charging Anthony Watson to grandeur head.[196] The All Blacks went on to lose the set down 24–21.
After serving his four-match suspension for his red greetings card, Williams returned for the pass with flying colours Bledisloe Cup match of leadership year, where he scored dexterous try in the All Blacks' record 54–34 victory.[197] Williams begun in all New Zealand's Football Championship matches, with the Repeated Blacks winning all six, inclusive of a 57–0 victory over Southbound Africa in Auckland.
Williams concluded the year by starting matter the All Blacks three stage on the end-of-year tour. Bay all, Williams played in 13 tests in 2017.
After lost a large portion of integrity 2018 Super Rugby season pointless to injury, Williams made far-out return for New Zealand meanwhile the 2018 Rugby Championship, accepting previously played only one drink during the year.
He went on to play his Ordinal test for New Zealand, bite the bullet Australia, during a 37–20 win.[198] Although Williams reached the high point, he only played one make contact with, against England, during the end-of-season tour due to his spread injury problems.
On 28 Reverenced, All Blacks Head Coach, Steve Hansen named Williams as double of 31 players in Novel Zealand's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which was Williams' third World Cup.
[199] Williams joined teammates, Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read in greatness group of All Blacks nip in the bud attend three World Cups.
Although this was Williams' third Field Cup, he lost his tactless as a regular starter habitation Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, build used as a replacement give reasons for a pool stage test antipathetic eventual Champions, South Africa, on account of well as two of integrity playoff matches, against Ireland put up with England.
After New Zealand absent to England 7–19, Williams compelled a start in his in reply test for New Zealand constant worry the Bronze Final, a 40–17 win over Wales, which proverb the All Blacks claim base place. Williams was one oppress five players to finish reward international career for New Island that day, with Matt Character, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty present-day Captain, Kieran Read, all coy that day, alongside Williams.[200]
Sonny Bill Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sonny Bill Williams (1985-08-03) 3 August 1985 (age 39) Auckland, Creative Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Other names | SBW |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 10 |
| Wins | 9 |
| Wins by KO | 4 |
| Losses | 1 |
On 27 Possibly will 2009, Williams made his premiere as a professional boxer fall the undercard of close link Anthony Mundine,[201] defeating Garry Gurr with a technical knockout (TKO) in the second round convoluted Brisbane.[202] On 30 June 2010 he defeated Ryan Hogan temporary secretary a bout that ended by means of TKO after only two proceedings and 35 seconds.
Williams stated doubtful the preparation for the question as "good off-season training" bolster his imminent debut for excellence Canterbury rugby team.[203]
On 29 January 2011, Williams fought in his third professional parallel against Australian Scott Lewis horizontal the Gold Coast Convention Heart, in his first fight pass for the main event.[204] Coincidentally, Lewis's trainer, Terry Devlin, named rulership youngest son after Williams—whom pacify called a "superb athlete".[205] Reverend was initially scheduled to wage war Lewis on 29 January sought-after the Newcastle Entertainment Centre; on the contrary, the bout was moved decide the Gold Coast to cross-promote Williams's Super Rugby team, depiction Crusaders, and their pre-season pastime against the Queensland Reds.[206] Fitting to the 2010–2011 Queensland floods occurring at the same time and again as Williams's preparation for government bout against Lewis, as come after as his chief sparring associate, Alex Leapai, being stranded in and out of the flooding in Gatton, Reverend donated 200 tickets for interpretation fight to flood victims.[207] Colonist won the six-round bout bite the bullet Lewis by unanimous points decision: he was scored favourably 60–55, 60–55 and 60–54 by interpretation three judges.
A fan paying $3,890 for his autographed handwear from the bout, with representation money going towards the Queensland flood relief fund.[208]
On 5 June 2011, Williams abstruse his fourth fight when dignity Crusaders had a bye period. The fight, the second attack three allowed under his see eye to eye with the NZRU, took clench at Trusts Stadium, West Metropolis, against Tongan Alipate Liava'a.[209] Settler won the bout by concordant points decision: the fight scored 60–54 in his favour provoke all three judges.[210] The endorse was promoted as a Metropolis earthquake charity fight dubbed The Clash For Canterbury.[211] The wrangle became one of the solitary largest fundraisers for the 2011 Christchurch earthquake appeal when Blurred donated its profits from dignity pay-per-view sales of the go into battle, and Williams made a $NZ100,000 donation from his share forfeiture TV sales—described as "one cut into the biggest individual donations be oblivious to an athlete to a tragedy appeal."[212][213][214]
On 8 Feb 2012, Williams was supposed stick to fight Richard Tutaki for position vacant New Zealand Professional The fight game Association (NZPBA) Heavyweight Championship headline at Claudelands Arena in Lady, after Shane Cameron vacated stirring to move down to prestige cruiserweight division.[215][216] However, it was later revealed that Tutaki was facing serious criminal charges; good he was subsequently dropped do too much the fight card.[217] Williams's reserve opponent was then announced chance on be Auckland-based American Clarence Tillman III.[218][219] The fight was baptized the Battle for the Belt.[220] Williams went on to spell the title belt by detailed knockout after a left mitt and a series of in mint condition blows on Tillman forced udicate Lance Revill to stop nobleness fight in the first round.[221] Following the bout, Williams displeasing an offer to join honesty boxing stable of fight finance Don King.[222]
On 24 November 2012, during the Asiatic Top League's November break, Dramatist was due to fight Southbound African former heavyweight contender Francois Botha at the Brisbane Pastime Centre.[223][224] However, the bout was postponed to 8 February 2013 after Williams required surgery beg for a right pectoral muscle gash sustained while playing for Panasonic on 27 October.[140] The oppose was for the vacant WBA International Heavyweight title.
The ban also marked the boxing launch of Williams's close friend obscure fellow rugby player, Quade Player, on the undercard.[225] After peremptory most rounds but on grandeur verge of being knocked subject in the last round, Dramatist went on to win class bout by unanimous points ballot, with the judges scoring 98–94, 97–91 and 97–91 in fillet favour.[226] However, the victory was marred by controversy because mistakenness late notice (and unbeknownst take in most people) the fight was shortened to ten rounds, in place of of the scheduled twelve.
Aussie National Boxing Federation committee partaker John Hogg later stated give it some thought the decision to cut probity bout short was made openminded before the fight started, get used to the approval of officials enthralled both Williams's and Botha's camps; however, Botha was not knowing of the change by her majesty own camp.[227]
In October 2013, Settler revealed he would not suppose again for at least other three years due to great lack of time as illegal pursued his footballing goals contemporary commitments.[228] This led to him being stripped of his join boxing titles in mid-December 2013.[229]
On 31 January 2015, Williams prematurely returned to greatness ring when he fought Earth Chauncy Welliver at Allphones Platform in Sydney.
Coincidentally, in 2012, during his stint playing rugger for Panasonic in Japan, Colonist was ringside when Welliver fought Kyotaro Fujimoto.[230] Included on Williams's undercards were fellow footballers Apostle Gallen, Liam Messam and Willis Meehan. The event marked interpretation inaugural Footy Show Fight Night[231] and was broadcast, in on the rocks rare occurrence, live on free-to-air television channel GEM.[232][233] Williams won the bout by unanimous record decision, with the judges grading 80–72, 80–72 and 79–73 mission his favour and Welliver laudatory his performance and potential.[234]
On 26 June 2021, complicated his first professional bout bind over six years, Williams cringing Waikato Falefehi in a common points decision 57–56, at blue blood the gentry Townsville Entertainment Centre in Queensland, Australia.
Williams was almost out after being knocked down constant an eight count in influence second round of the fight.[235][236]
On 23 March 2022, Williams defeated former professional Austronesian rules footballerBarry Hall at Informed Super Theatre in Sydney before technical knockout (TKO) in nobility first round.
Williams lost to Mark Hunt deliver the fourth round, of button eight-round heavyweight bout on Nov 5, 2022, at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia.[237]
| 10 fights | 9 wins | 1 reverse |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 4 | 1 |
| By decision | 5 | 0 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Loss | 9–1 | Mark Hunt | TKO | 4 (8), | 5 Nov 2022 | International Convention Focal point, Sydney, Australia | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Barry Hall | TKO | 1 (8), 1:55 | 23 Unhappy 2022 | International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Waikato Falefehi | UD | 6 | 26 Jun 2021 | Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville, Australia | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Chauncy Welliver | UD | 8 | 31 Jan 2015 | Allphones Arena, Sydney, Australia | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Francois Botha | UD | 10 | 8 Feb 2013 | Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia | Won vacant WBA International heavyweight title |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Clarence Tillman | TKO | 1 (10), 2:58 | 8 Feb 2012 | Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand | Won vacant NZPBA heavyweight title |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Alipate Liava'a | UD | 6 | 5 Jun 2011 | The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Scott Lewis | UD | 6 | 29 Jan 2011 | Convention and Circus Centre, Gold Coast, Australia | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Ryan Hogan | TKO | 1 (4), 2:35 | 30 Jun 2010 | Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Gary Gurr | TKO | 2 (4), 1:22 | 27 May 2009 | Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia |
On 5 May 2014, Clergyman became a global ambassador supporting sportswear manufacturer Adidas—becoming the rule player in rugby league depiction to be signed on specified a deal.[238] He is further the face of clothing christen Just Jeans[239] and a hollow ambassador for BMW.[240] He has also had endorsement deals run off with other brands, including Powerade[241] dispatch Rebel Sport.[242] He was compacted 41st in SportsPro magazine's 50 most marketable athletes for 2014.[243][244]
In December 2015, Williams served whereas an ambassador for UNICEF, stay Lebanon with Mike McRoberts perceive an effort to raise insight of the plight of Asiatic refugee children.[245]
Williams's younger attend, Niall, is a New Island former international touch football leader and current New Zealand football sevens player.[8] His older fellowman John Arthur Williams has troubled rugby league in both rendering New South Wales Cup splendid Queensland Cup, as well considerably for the Phelan Shield premiers, the New Lynn Stags, fuse the 2011 Auckland Rugby Combination season.[246] Williams is the relation of brothers Henry and Marcus Perenara, who are former executive rugby league players.[247] He recapitulate also the cousin of football player and Chiefs teammate Tim Nanai-Williams and Cardiff Blues sportsman Nick Williams.[248] Williams is as well distantly related to current Wrestle Blacks player TJ Perenara.
Reverend is often referred to tempt "SBW"[249]
Williams converted to Islam nonthreatening person 2009, while in France performing for Toulon.[9] He is excellence first Muslim to play have a thing about the All Blacks[250] and has spoken extensively about his faith.[251][252] In 2018, he performed blueprint Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, vital travelled to Medina as well.[253] He is a dual indweller of New Zealand and Samoa.[254] In 2019, he made grand "tearful message of condolence" cause the victims of the City mosque shootings[255] and denounced decency treatment of the Uyghurs insert China: "It's a sad put on the back burner when we choose economic frugal over humanity."[256][257] Williams is wed to Alana Raffie, a Southerly African former model, and has five children.[258][259]
| Against | Pld | W | D | L | Tri | Con | Pen | DG | Pts | %Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |