Get Newsletter

Rio: Sonny Bill in, Messam out

Serial code-hopper Sonny Bill, 30, has targeted the Olympics to add to his list of sporting triumphs which include winning two Rugby Union World Cups with the All Blacks as well as success in rugby league and professional boxing.

ADVERTISEMENT

His sister Niall, 28, was a New Zealand touch rugby player for several years before switching to the tackle game in 2015.

Sonny Bill –who said before the team announcement that it would be "an amazing achievement" if he and his sister went to Brazil – made himself unavailable for Super Rugby and the June Test series against Wales this year to focus on the Sevens.

Rio: Sonny Bill in, Messam outFellow World Cup winning All Black Liam Messam also gave up the 15-man game to focus on Rio, however he missed out on the 12-man squad named on Sunday. 

Coach Gordon Tietjens, who has guided New Zealand to 10 World Sevens titles, rated his side as medal contenders despite finishing third in this year's world series. 

"It's going to be a challenging environment for all of us and all the teams as it's such a new experience," he said at the team naming.

"Every player has been selected because they've performed well during the Sevens series and in the training camps since then so have earned their position.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Sevens is very competitive, so it's important that we perform and if we perform to our potential, we'll have a really good chance of succeeding in Rio."

The New Zealand men's team has been drawn in Pool C with Britain, Kenya and Japan. 

New Zealand squad: Scott Curry (captain), Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Tim Mikkelson, Augustine Pulu, Teddy Stanaway, Regan Ware, Joe Webber, Sonny Bill Williams. 

Agence France-Presse

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Write A Comment