Williams a Crusader after all
Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:09
Despite earlier denials, Sonny Bill Williams will play for Canterbury in the 2010 NPC and the Crusaders in next year's expanded Super Rugby competition.
Canterbury head coach Rob Penney and Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said they were delighted to have Williams on board.
Earlier on Wednesday, Canterbury Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Hamish Riach told Radio Sport nothing had been confirmed between the union and Williams.
However, at about 20.00 (8pm) New Zealand time (08.00 GMT) on the same day this signing was officially confirmed.
Penney described Williams as "an exciting prospect" for Canterbury. "We're all looking forward to working with him this season and are sure he will fit in very well," he said.
Blackadder, meanwhile, added: "We are sure Sonny Bill will do very well with the Crusaders in 2011. We're confident we can help in his development and we're sure he will add a lot to our game. Sonny Bill is a humble and down-to-earth guy and I know he has a very professional approach."
Williams, of course, will join Canterbury and the Crusaders from French club Toulon.
He has stated that his aim is to represent the All Blacks at next year's World Cup and both Penney and Blackadder are sure he has made the right choices with a view to developing his game.
The signing of the 24-year-old former Rugby League star is a coup for Canterbury and the Crusaders as several provinces and franchises around New Zealand were interested in getting him on board.
Canterbury's full squad will be announced at a function on Monday, July 5. Their first competition game of the season is against Hawke's Bay in Christchurch on Friday, July 30.
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