New Zealand Rugby
Sonny Bill set to stay in New Zealand?
ESPNscrum Staff
May 22, 2011
Crusaders centre Sonny Bill Williams passes inside, Crusaders training session, Royal Artillery Company, London, England, March 23, 2011
Williams could soon follow in the footsteps of team-mate Dan Carter and commit his future to New Zealand © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Sonny Bill Williams
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | Super Rugby

Sonny Bill Williams could be set to follow in the footsteps of All Blacks team-mate Dan Carter and commit his playing future to New Zealand.

Carter put pen to paper on a lucrative four-year deal this week and Williams' manager Khoder Nasser has hinted that his in-demand client could follow suit if the New Zealand Rugby Union are "fair" in their attempts to re-sign the 26-year-old.

The Sunday Star-Times reports that the contract is likely to be the most innovative tabled by the NZRU with Williams keen to extend his boxing career alongside and union commitment. However, he may also demand a sabbatical, as has been granted to Carter, with a short-term return to rugby league a major possibility.

Williams, capped four times by the All Blacks, is the source of constant speculation with National Rugby League, Super League and rival rugby union sides reportedly chasing his signature. But Nasser insists that the ball is squarely in the NZRU's court when it comes to Williams' playing future.

"We've started negotiations and if they are fair and just they have nothing to fear," Nasser told the newspaper. However, the NZRU would not be drawn on negotiations with general manager Neil Sorenson insisting, "It's still too early in the process to be making a comment."

Another high-profile Nasser client, Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper, agreed a one-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union this week and there is growing speculation that he and Williams will be offered on the open market to union and league clubs as a dual package in 2013.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices