New Zealand Rugby
Carter sorry to see Williams go
ESPN Staff
July 9, 2012
New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams and Dan Carter, New Zealand v Tonga, Rugby World Cup, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, September 9, 2011
Sonny Bill Williams and Dan Carter formed a mouth-watering partnership for the All Blacks during last year's Rugby World Cup © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Dan Carter | Sonny Bill Williams
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby
Teams: Chiefs | New Zealand

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter has wished team-mate Sonny Bill Williams well after it was confirmed the centre will turn his back on New Zealand rugby at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Williams ended speculation surrounding his playing future by announcing earlier today that he had agreed a move to the Wild Nights in Japan that will see him link up with the side next month ahead of the new Top League season. As a result he will be ruled out of the All Blacks' forthcoming Rugby Championship and the end of year tour of Europe.

Williams is also expected to put pen to paper on a return to Australian National Rugby League outfit the Sydney Roosters next season, having previously quit the 13-man code in controversial circumstances in 2008, bringing an end to his two-year stint in Super Rugby.

Carter, who resisted the temptation to move overseas before signing his latest New Zealand Rugby Union contract, believes Williams' departure will be tough to take but wished him nothing but success.

''I respect the decision he has made. Everyone makes decisions and they are never easy,'' Carter said. ''I know I have been in that situation before. Different things drive different people. I just have to wish him well and I'm sure he will be successful in whatever he does.'

''It's going to be sad to see him go because he really added a lot in the last year-and-a-half to two years he's been in New Zealand rugby,'' Carter added. "I guess the tough thing is he has really improved his game knowledge and is such a good rugby union player."

''To see him go over to Japan and then the NRL as well is tough to see.''

© 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