Sonny Bill 'keeping his options open'
The New Zealand Rugby Union tactfully sidestepped reports that All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams is set for another code switch when they pointed out they had been aware he was keeping his options open for 2013.
According to reports in the Australian media suggested he will return to the National Rugby League with the Sydney Roosters next year.
The Sydney Morning Herald and the Sunday Telegraph report Williams will join the Sydney Roosters at AU$800,000 a year.
This follows his protracted negotiations with the NZRU and a stand-off over a personal energy-drink sponsor for the centre.
Williams eventually signed with the NZRU after the World Cup in October, to play for the Chiefs in 2012, and will also be available for the All Blacks.
However, the Aussie media reports claimed he was “bored” with Rugby Union.
Williams, in Sydney preparing for a heavyweight boxing bout against Richard Tutaki on February 8, was photographed at a Sydney cafe at the weekend with Roosters supremo Nick Politis, Channel Nine boss David Gyngell and his manager Khoder Nasser.
When asked to comment on the reports, a NZRU spokesmen referred queries to comments made when Williams officially became a Chief in October.
NZRU General Manager of Professional rugby Neil Sorensen said at the time: “We’re delighted that Sonny has chosen to continue playing his rugby in New Zealand next year.
“He was exciting to watch in Super Rugby this year, and he played an important role in the spectacular World Cup-winning All Blacks side.
“He’s a special player who creates some real excitement and interest in the game with his style of rugby.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him create some more excitement in a Chiefs, as well as an All Blacks, jersey next year.”
Sorensen added that the NZRU were “aware” Williams wanted to keep his options open for 2013 and that there were a lot of teams interested in him.
It is believed Williams, who walked out on his contract with the Bulldogs in 2008 to join French club Toulon, was just “marking time” until a clause in his release from the Bulldogs – which said he could not play for a rival NRL club for four years – expired.
By waiting until 2013, Williams will not have to pay the Bulldogs compensation because a clause in his deed of release.
How a move back to Sydney marries with his statement that he left the Crusaders for the Chiefs to be closer to his mum in Auckland is anybody’s guess.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that the breakfast meeting with two of Sydney’s most influential businessmen was leaked to the media by the Williams camp and that French and Japanese rugby union clubs were still chasing him with offers of up to AU$1m a season.
