Sonny Bill Williams will take home a Rugby World Cup winner’s medal after all.
All Blacks back Williams was presented with a replacement medal to a standing ovation at the World Rugby awards in London on Sunday, having given his away soon after beating Australia 34-17 in the final.
In an act of kindness, Williams gave his medal to a young supporter who was tackled by a security guard when he ran onto the field while the All Blacks completed a victory lap.
In total, 33 All Blacks received winning medals.
That includes original squad members Tony Woodcock and Wyatt Crockett, who were injured and during the tournament and their prop replacements, Joe Moody and Pauliasi Manu.
It is an unexpected reward for uncapped Chiefs loosehead Manu, who officially joined the squad days out from the final when Crockett was ruled out.
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He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
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