New Zealand Rugby
Sonny Bill arrives in Japan
ESPN Staff
August 30, 2012
New Zealand's Sonny Bill Willams looks for support, The Rugby Championship, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, August 25, 2012
Sonny Bill Williams said farewell to New Zealand rugby following the All Blacks' Rugby Championship victory over Australia last weekend © PA Photos
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Sonny Bill Williams has arrived in Japan to begin the next chapter of his headline-grabbing career.

Williams will train with Top League side the Wild Knights for the first time on Thursday at the start of a lucrative 10-game contract that is expected to precede a return to National Rugby League in Australia with the Sydney Roosters next year.

The 27-year-old bid farewell to New Zealand rugby following the All Blacks' 22-0 victory over Australia last weekend, thanks to an agreement to delay his move to Japan, and is relishing a fresh challenge.

"I just want to experience the culture, and get to understand it and embrace it," Williams told ONE Sport. "It will take me a while to break the language barrier, but hopefully in the next month or two, I can do that."

Williams, A World Cup winner who also won the Super Rugby title with the Chiefs earlier this year, has not ruled out a return to rugby union at a later date and the New Zealand Rugby Union are also open to the possibility

"Who knows? Hopefully down the track I can come back and play in New Zealand," he said following his last appearance - for now - for the All Blacks. "Winning with the Chiefs and tonight has made it a little bit more happy leaving in that sense. But still, when you form close friendships, it is tough to leave."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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