Sonny Bill to reveal future plans
New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams is preparing to finally put the rumour mill to rest when he announces his future plans with Japan a likely destination.
Never far from the spotlight, Williams has been linked with a move to Europe, Japan, Cape Town, rugby league and a full time boxing career this season, and he appears to have finally made up his mind.
League convert Williams has been the centre of speculation for months about his playing future after signing only a one-year deal with the NZRU following the All Blacks 8-7 victory over France in the World Cup final last October.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) would only confirm Williams would hold a media conference on Monday with his rugby union mentor Wayne Smith at his side.
The latest odds have Williams heading to Japan for a lucrative contract before moving to Australia to play rugby league.
He is tipped to earn in excess of $1.4 million for about 10 weeks in Japan with the Panasonic Wild Knights and $570,000 to join the Sydney Roosters with the potential to earn much more from his professional boxing career, which will continue with in Australia.
Williams, who starred for the All Blacks in their recent three-Test series clean sweep of Ireland, was declared unavailable to meet the media after his Chiefs side lost to the Crusaders 28-21 in Friday's Super rugby match.
Confirmation of a move to Japan before returning to rugby league would likely rule Williams out of the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
The 26-year-old Williams walked away from a world-record $5.0 million offer from French club Toulon to return to New Zealand in 2010 to join the Crusaders in a bid to make the All Blacks World Cup side.
This year he moved to the Chiefs, following his mentor Smith to the franchise, after the former All Blacks assistant coach played a significant role in developing Williams as a leading rugby union centre.
AFP and rugby365.com
