New Zealand rugby
Sonny Bill signs with NZRU
Scrum.com
June 10, 2010
Toulon centre Sonny Bill Williams snipes at the Castres defence, Toulon v Castres, Top 14, Stade Felix Mayol, March 12, 2010
Sonny Bill Williams has turned down a lucrative contract in favour of the All Blacks © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Sonny Bill Williams
Teams: New Zealand

Sonny Bill Williams has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in a bid to win All Black selection at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The former Kiwis rugby league international turned down a big offer from current club Toulon to move back to New Zealand, where he will begin his All Black bid in this year's provincial championship. With kick-off looming he is yet to confirm which province he will be joining and which Super Rugby franchise he will be playing for in 2011.

"We're delighted that after some very positive discussions with Sonny Bill's representatives, he has today signed a contract committing himself to rugby in New Zealand from the start of the ITM Cup season, through to the end of 2011," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

"Sonny Bill has proved himself as an outstanding athlete and a skilful player in two codes and has shown his rugby potential with Toulon in France."

Williams left the Bulldogs and rugby league in 2008 under acrimonious circumstances, but after establishing himself in France he is keen to start a new chapter in New Zealand.

"My first decision has been to commit to New Zealand and I've done that today," he said. "The next step will be to decide on a province and I'll decide that closer to my return to New Zealand early next month.

"I'm coming home to pursue my childhood dream and work towards earning an All Blacks jersey. The first priority after choosing a province will be to focus on settling into New Zealand rugby and preparations for the ITM Cup."

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