The Waratahs have emerged as contenders for Williams, who could become the face of rugby in Sydney.
While the New Zealand Rugby Union has received a verbal agreement from Williams and his management to stay in New Zealand, NZRU boss Steve Tew confirmed that Sonny Bill has yet to put pen to paper.
“No we haven’t [signed him] but Sonny Bill has been very kind in public saying he intends to stay in New Zealand. Until he decides where he is going to play his footy we won’t get pen to paper and I have been saying that whenever anyone talks to me about Sonny Bill,” Tew told Radio Sport.
The Waratahs reportedly approached Williams’ management about a deal last month.
At that time they were told he was tied up for next year. However, that no longer appears the case and Williams remains without a New Zealand Super Rugby team, despite speculation he would sign with Auckland side the Blues.
Williams’ current coach, Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder, has confirmed ‘SBW’ is leaving his franchise. The question is to where.
”We have still got a spot or two in our squad,” Waratahs chief executive Jason Allen told the Herald.
”If the question is would we ever want him in our squad if we could fulfil any financial demands – of course, without a doubt.
We would be thrilled, he would be a real asset here. I think we have a pretty strong program to support him.”
Another potential move would be to the Queensland Reds, with Williams interested in playing alongside close friend Quade Cooper. The two share the same player agent, Khoder Nasser.
Nasser’s only comment to the Herald was aimed at dousing speculation: “We have given the NZRU an agreement that Sonny will be there next year.”
Time will tell whether that turns out to be the case.
Justin K2
Guest
The man in unfortunately unpredictable. I can't seen him making the final team for the All Blacks in the world cup. Maa Nonu is just too consistant now at the top level and Richard Kahui will take his spot on the bench. He will end up defecting to chase the money. He thought he would waltz on into the All Blacks but easier said than done and now he is losing interest because he isn't starting on the field. He needs to grow up and think team and not me!
JT
Guest
No way!!! No SBW in QLD rugby. He had a chance and took the money over respect. Hope he stays over the ditch. Don't care how good he thinks he is.
Damien
Roar Guru
I'm not sure if they are even 'clashing'. The negotiations are between SBW's Camp & NZRU, not SBW's Camp & the AB Coach. Also Henry is gone after the RWC. Henry will put on what he thinks is the best team to win the RWC. If that involves SBW then he will be used. Not because SBW's camp is calling for it. I can't see Henry thinking "I would have used SBW but because I can't stand his manager I'll leave him out". The RWC is way, way above these petty personality driven conflicts..
Damien
Roar Guru
Personally I reckon Toeava was the best Centre (before he got injured late in the SR season) and SBW the best 2nd 5.
Damien
Roar Guru
KPM I disagree that most Kiwis don't like SBW. Sure there are some that hate his guts but just gauging the response in the comments sections doesn't give you an accurate picture. Thing is its alot easier to respond, comment on something that annoys you. But if you enjoy something (a dinner, a players game etc.) Most people can't be bothered to let everyone know their positive assessment. Where I work there are perhaps 30 rugby followers (90% Kiwis) There are 2 fanatical Nonu fans and the rest enjoy both Nonu and SBW's game. One of the fanatical Nonu followers absolutely hates SBW with a passion, and he lets everyone at work, the pub and even some online forums know about it. Thats 1 out of 30. But you get enough of these guys ranting on and it will seem like everyone's anti - SBW when in reality its just a few. The people at work that enjoy SBW's game don't have the energy to constantly rave on about him. In saying all that though SBW is totally different from your average sports star. He doesn't really follow the 'rules' of an All Black which also puts off some people. Most people still have romantic views about sports stars in terms of team loyalty from yesteryear and expect things to stay the same. There are a few exceptions (Lockyer for example) but the reality of the situation now is much different. Because of SBW's massive talent & marketability his management have so much leverage when it comes to negotiations, and that in itself doesn't sit well with some people. I mean how many sports stars (in Oz & NZ) do you know of are able to compete in a totally different sport, are able to choose what SR team they want to play for, get paid at the levels that are reserved for only the AB legends (Carter, McCaw). And all of this is based on potential not concrete results. Who does SBW think he is ? Although if these same people who are put off by SBW's negotiations were in a similar position they wouldn't hesistate to drive a hard bargain. Imagine if you were that good at your job that you could negotiate your own pay, hours, work conditions etc. And you knew that you would probably get most of what you asked for because of your talents. You'd be crazy to work for anything less..
jameswm
Guest
Mitchell's career was revived by joining the Tahs. Kurtley hasn't done too badly.
Dave
Guest
Exactly, when he announced he was staying for another year it was like we should all kiss his bum for doing us all such a great favour.
Dave
Guest
Right so for the last 9 or 10 months then? Actions speak louder than words.
Dave
Guest
An old saying about leopards and spots comes to mind
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
? JF might perhaps have been the 10th best if he is judged kindly. Look at SBW's stats for the season. I'm too lazy to go and find them but they're easily accessed.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
I meant in New Zealand since he arrived everything he has said in public has been a model of humility. Not arrogance.
Brad
Guest
This is a classic media beat-up by the Sydney Morning Herald on a slow news day (and probably fuelled by SBW's Agent to get drive his price up). Wednesday: Make a claim that SBW is being hunted by the Waratah's. Thursday: Make another story saying he actually can't join them anyway. What a lot of hot air.....
Freddie
Guest
As the Tahs already have their one allowable marquee player in Pretorius you wonder how this story ever got any credibility. SBW going to the Reds or the Force is still possible though and the Force must still have money available with JOC and David Smith gone and no high profile signings as yet.
Shaun
Guest
Disrespectful? The coach choosing a side and then making substitutions when he sees fit? Man, I'd like to know what colour the sky is in Mundine's world...
Manuwatu
Guest
I hope he makes the 22 that play for New Zealand in the World Cup Final, becomes a World Rugby Champion and then retires from Rugby to take up a long and successful Boxing Career that includes a World Title. All of which coming after he was a star playing in the best Rugby League competition in the world and representing his Country. What else would you want for a come from no-where Kiwi kid?
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Except for when he cuts and runs on a contract...
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
J-B Nasser may think that, but there's no evidence SBW thinks it. In fact everything he has said in public has been a model of humility.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Don't be ridiculous jaque fourie was the best centre this year in super rugby
Bayboy
Guest
The only people worked up by this non event seem to be Australians and few hard core roar enthusiasts. Namely yourself
AdamS
Guest
He actually didn;t mean to go, he just went wide on there last game looking for someone to pass him the ball. He went wider and wider in space and still no ball. So he went wider still and before you know it he was in Melb.