New Zealand Rugby
All Black Williams joins Nottingham
ESPNscrum Staff
November 26, 2010
Ali Williams rumbles forwards during the All Blacks win over Ireland at Croke Park, November 15 2008
Ali Williams has signed for Nottingham on a short-term deal © Getty Images
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All Blacks lock Ali Williams will step up his rehabilitation from a series of Achilles injuries with a spell in the RFU Championship at Nottingham.

The 29-year-old Blues second-rower has missed the last two years of action due to the problems and won the last of his 61 Test caps against England in 2008.

He was ruled out of this season's Super 14 and Tri-Nations when he ruptured the same Achilles tendon that ended his 2009 campaign in a pre-season game against the Chiefs in January.

Williams will play up to four games for Nottingham before returning to New Zealand in order to link up with the Blues for their pre-season camp. He is expected to arrive in England at the end of December after the move was given the blessing of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

"Ali's itching to get back on the field to build his fitness and confidence, and of course both the NZRU and the Blues are happy to support him getting some game time before he joins the Blues squad for their pre-season camp in late January," NZRU general manager Neil Sorenson said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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