New Zealand Rugby
Sonny Bill confirms Canterbury switch
Scrum.com
June 24, 2010
Canterbury signing Sonny Bill Williams poses for the cameras, Paradise Centre Appartments, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Australia, June 24, 2010
Canterbury signing Sonny Bill Williams poses for the cameras after confirming his switch to the Super 15 side © Getty Images
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Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed his decision to sign a two-year deal with Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU).

CRFU and Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said the former National Rugby League player was completely committed to his quest for a place in the All Blacks for next year's World Cup in New Zealand. Williams walked out midway through a contract with Sydney NRL club Canterbury Bulldogs two years ago to join French rugby club Toulon where he came under the tutelage of former All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga.

Hawke's Bay, Counties Manukau and North Harbour also put lucrative contracts in front of Williams but he opted for Canterbury "because he felt it was better to get started all in the one place", Riach told The Press. Williams, who is currently preparing for his second professional boxing bout in Brisbane, is expected to begin his provincial rugby career on July 30 when Canterbury host Hawke's Bay.

"I'm happy to play park footy, mate, whatever the coaching staff want me to do, I'm keen as. I'm just looking forward to getting over there, bro," he told reporters from Queensland's Gold Coast.

The prospective All Blacks midfielder said the reason for the decision was simple, as he eyes a shift to Christchurch in mid-July. "I was very flattered by the interest but I basically made my decision on where I felt I could best succeed as a rugby player. I chose Canterbury and the Crusaders because, rather than switching from town to town, I'd rather just be in the same set-up straight away.

"I feel I'll develop better as a player. There were better offers which was very flattering and it was a very difficult decision because there were other factors involved. For me it's all about trying to become an All Black, and being down there in that set-up, even though it was for less money, was the right thing to do."

He said other factors included the lure of playing alongside his "dear friend" Tana Umaga at Counties-Manukau; or under the coaching of fellow Samoan Pat Lam at Auckland or former All Black Jeff Wilson at North Harbour; even living near his mum in his old home town where he was schooled at Mt Albert Grammar. Williams said his Toulon mentor Umaga tried to steer him towards Pukekohe, but told him to go with what felt right.

The presence of All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter in Christchurch was a factor, along with Brad Thorn, who made a successful switch from the National Rugby League to the All Blacks.

"Obviously (Carter) was a very big factor. He's one of the best No 10s in the world, up there with Jonny Wilkinson. I felt that when I was in Toulon I played my best rugby when I formed a good connection with Jonny.

"Also if you go through their (Canterbury) team and see how many good players they've got. Brad Thorn's a special talent. When you look at the way he's become probably one of the best forwards in the world and he's come from NRL, that was definitely a big factor and I'll be looking to hopefully follow in his footsteps."

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder and Canterbury provincial coach Rob Penney have put the welcome mat out for Williams. "Sonny Bill is an exciting prospect for us. We're all looking forward to working with him this season and are sure he will fit in very well," said Penney who guided Canterbury to the national provincial title last season.

Blackadder was sure Williams would do "very well with the Crusaders in 2011." "We're confident we can help in his development and we're sure he will add a lot to our game. Sonny Bill is a humble and down-to-earth guy and I know he has a very professional approach."

Williams was braced for the Christchurch cold and was hoping for better memories than his previous visit there, nearly a decade ago. "The last time I was down there was when I played for Mt Albert first 13 against Aranui and we got beaten by about 50 points. It wasn't too good."

He was eager to prove himself worthy of an All Blacks' end-of-year tour but stressed he didn't see himself as a world beater, just a young man with a dream. "I'm dedicated and I don't have an ego at all. I'm going down there with a blank page and I'm willing to learn off anyone, whether it be Dan Carter or the younger boys. I'm still relatively new to this game and I know that, but I'm trying to put myself in the best situation. There's no cockiness from me, I'm just going over there to work hard."

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