Williams set for new deal
All Blacks centre performs u-turn on post-World Cup future
Last Updated: July 26, 2011 1:51pm
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Rugby league convert Sonny Bill Williams plans to sign a new contract to remain with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) until the end of 2012.
Williams has established himself as the All Blacks' preferred option at inside centre since switching codes.
He had been expected to move to European club rugby union or make a return to league in Australia's NRL after the World Cup, which takes place in New Zealand in September and October.
But the 25-year-old has now told local media he intends to extend his deal with the NZRU for a further year.
"(My aim was to) make the World Cup squad and then go back off shore and do my trade over there but all the generations from old people to young people and the amount of support I have got has been so humbling," he said.
Offers
Williams, however, has not committed himself to remaining with Canterbury Crusaders in the Super Rugby competition.
The Auckland-born player, who excelled in his debut campaign for the beaten-finalist Crusaders, is willing to entertain offers from New Zealand's other franchises.
He also plans to continue his professional boxing career, which has seen him win his first four fights as a heavyweight.
Williams was rested for New Zealand's 60-14 win over Fiji but is expected to be named in the starting XV for their Tri-Nations opener against South Africa on July 30.
