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Sonny Bill Williams has spurned lucrative offers to re-sign with New Zealand
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Williams will switch Super Rugby teams under the new deal, moving from the Waikato Chiefs to the Auckland Blues
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He will be coached by good friend Tana Umaga
Sonny Bill Williams confirmed this morning he had signed a three-year deal with New Zealand Rugby and will play for the Blues next season. He is presently committed to New Zealand’s Olympic sevens campaign, meaning he hasn’t played Super Rugby this year.
The 30-year-old has a young daughter and hopes to have more children and having family support was a major factor in his decision.
“I am an Auckland boy and feel like I am coming home,” Williams said.
“One of the biggest factors is my young family. I want to have more kids and it’s not just about me.. We travel a lot and my wife needs support.
“My wife doesn’t have any family here and most of my family are in Auckland. That weighed a lot on my decision. And it’s no secret me and Tana [Umaga] go way back.”
Umaga was coach of Toulon when Williams first switched from rugby league in 2008 and was very influential in the formative years of his rugby career. He took over at the Blues this season.