Sonny Bill Williams has been in talks with Graham Henry about a move from Toulon © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Sir Graham Henry | Sonny Bill Williams

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | French Top 14

Teams: New Zealand | Toulon

Graham Henry has spoken to Sonny Bill Williams about a return to New Zealand ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks coach wants the former league star, currently plying his trade at Toulon in France, to fight for a place in the squad. However, Williams would be taking a paycut if he left the big spending French side when his contract comes up for renewal next month and Henry isn't guaranteeing anything for the uncapped player, who he said must prove himself at provincial and Super 14 level before being considered.

Williams caused a storm when he left NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs for Toulon in 2008 for £300,000. After a slow start to union, his strong running game have earned him a regular starting berth for the Top 14 side, while he played for the Barbarians against Australia in 2009.

"I've talked to Sonny Bill Williams, and enjoyed talking to him. I thought he made a lot of sense," Henry told NZPA. "He's got a personal decision to make, whether he comes back and plays provincial rugby then tries to get a Super rugby contract, then he'll have to be judged on his ability and whether he's good enough for the World Cup. That's a major decision for him, and I've encouraged him to do that. Whether he's in a position to do that, I'm not sure."

Toulon are keen to keep the centre for at least another season, but Williams could be tempted to join fellow Toulon player Tana Umaga who will return to New Zealand to take up a player/assistant coach role at Counties Manukau and Umaga has spoken to Henry about his teammate.

"I've spoken to Tana about him as well. Sonny Bill knows we'd be pleased if he came home and played at the levels below to see if he's good enough to play at the levels above," Henry said.