All Blacks Legend Says His Sons Aspire to Play for the Springboks

The 38-year-old married South African model Alana Raffie (whom he met at a shop) in 2013.

The two got married in a secret ceremony held in August 2013 after dating for approximately six months. Alana and her husband managed to keep their relationship a secret until they announced it on social media in 2014.

Their family and friends who attended the wedding ceremony that was held just before the 2013 NRL grand final swore not to tell anyone about the wedding and even Sonny's Roosters teammates, as well as his close buddy, Anthony Mundine, were left out.

Since tying the knot, Alana and Sonny stayed away from social media and even rejected an opportunity to get paid six figures by selling their wedding to television and glossy magazines.

The Williams’ have four children, daughters Iman and Aisha, and sons Zaid and Essa.

“Cape Town is my second home,” Williams told 

“Maybe one day my two boys might be playing in Green and Gold.

“They’ve told me that’s what they’d like.

“They love the Springboks.”

Incredibly, Williams couldn't find a place for former team-mates Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who played a combined 260 test matches for the All Blacks.

A magician in boots, Quade Cooper is one of the most naturally gifted playmakers Australia has ever produced. Known for his dazzling footwork, audacious passes, and ability to spark something from absolutely nothing, Cooper has thrilled fans and confounded defences for more than a decade.

Often misunderstood and underrated, the fly-half’s highlight reels are packed with jaw-dropping moments that defy convention. Whether it’s a no-look pass, a chip-and-chase, or a sidestep from nowhere, Cooper plays the game on his own terms — and when he’s in full flight, few can touch him.

Williams said: "You just have to watch some of his highlights videos on the football field to realise what a talent he is. He’s another guy who can just create something out of nothing and I don’t think gets the credit he deserves."

A genuine game-breaker, Kurtley Beale has long been one of Australian rugby’s most exciting talents. Equally comfortable at fullback, centre or fly-half, Beale boasts elite vision, fast hands, and a razor-sharp running game. At his best, he’s unstoppable — a player with the instinct to find space and the skill to exploit it.

His impact at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where many considered him Australia’s standout performer, was a testament to both his maturity and sheer class. Off the field, Beale’s leadership and evolution have made him a role model in the Australian game.

Williams said: "He’s a player I’ve loved watching over the years and I don’t think he gets the acknowledgement he deserves. He was one the best players – if not the best player – for the Australian team in the World Cup. Just his skillset, and you can tell that he’s got his stuff together off the field as well."

One of the most revered captains in modern rugby, Thierry Dusautoir combined relentless work rate with fearless leadership.

The French flanker etched his name into history with a legendary 38-tackle performance against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final, and again led Les Bleus to the final in 2011. Calm, intelligent, and fiercely competitive, Dusautoir was the heartbeat of every side he played in.

From the Top 14 to the Test arena, he earned universal respect for his consistency and quiet strength — and is remembered as one of the greats of the French game.

Williams said: “From my time in France I’d have to say, Thierry Dusautoir. He wasn't just an amazing player, but you can see the way he rallies his troops and how he performed in those big games. He’s someone I really admire.”

A force of nature in rugby boots, Jonah Lomu didn’t just play the game — he changed it forever. At 6’5” and over 110kg, Lomu had the size of a forward and the pace of a winger, demolishing defenders with a mix of raw power and searing speed.

Bursting onto the world stage at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, his four-try demolition of England became iconic, and he quickly transcended the sport to become a global superstar. Even those who’d never watched a game of rugby knew his name. Lomu remains one of the most feared and beloved figures in rugby history.

Williams said: “He’s someone that stood out because even when I didn’t play rugby I knew who he was. You just have to go back and watch some highlights of him to see how crazy what he did was. You don’t see players these days running through ten blokes on the way to the tryline.”

The ultimate professional and England’s golden boy, Jonny Wilkinson is best remembered for his iconic drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final — but his legacy runs much deeper. Known for his obsessive preparation, incredible defence, and peerless kicking game, Wilkinson set the standard for what it meant to be a world-class fly-half.

His relentless dedication to improvement made him a role model for generations to come. Having played alongside him at Toulon, Sonny Bill Williams saw firsthand the discipline and drive that made Wilkinson one of the all-time greats.

Williams said: “I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played with Jonny Wilkinson and have seen the commitment that he had. When I played with him, he was pretty much at the height of his powers, but the way he dedicated himself to his craft was unbelievable and I learnt a lot from him.”

Throughout Rugby World Cup's 10 iterations, just South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have won the tournament more than once. South Africa now lead the all-time wins with four, New Zealand have won three and Australia have lifted the Web Ellis trophy twice.

Throughout these triumphs, 44 men's players have been apart of two Rugby World Cup winning squads. This quiz is the ultimate test for Rugby World Cup fans, to see if you can name all 44 players that boast two winners medals.

Good Luck!