Finally, the long awaited, highly anticipated, excruciatingly frustrated announcement: Sonny Bill Williams has signed for one year with the Waikato Chiefs.
The trans-Tasman super athlete made his coded announcement via twitter Monday morning: “I hear it’s nice in Hamilton,” before jetting off on holiday.
The finer detail of Sonny Bill’s contract is confidential, meaning the extent to which the SBW brand put the Waikato franchise and the NZRU over the barrel remains a mystery.
However, the standard Sonny Bill “I’ll box when I want to” mantra was clearly non-negotiable, although the Chiefs were at pains to point out that bouts will not compromise team responsibilities.
It is a fantastic score for the Waikato franchise, with Sonny Bill joining an exciting backline that includes Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui and Lelia Masaga.
NZRU General Manager Neil Sorensen promptly hailed the development, which is clearly a good thing for New Zealand rugby, the All Blacks and the Super Rugby tournament.
Sorensen said: “He’s a special player who creates some real excitement and interest in the game with his style of rugby. We’re looking forward to seeing him create some more excitement in a Chiefs, as well as an All Blacks, jersey next year.”
Hamilton folk are dancing in the streets Lelia Masaga-style. Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson could hardly contain himself: “This is outstanding news for Chiefs fans. He is a world-class athlete who brings with him a unique set of skills and qualities. We are delighted he has chosen to play with us next year and we’re looking forward to welcoming him next year.”
Indeed, skills, qualities and a decent set of abs. New Super Rugby coach Dave Rennie will be super-chuffed. Having poached Aaron Cruden from the Hurricanes he has the makings of a championship winning inside-centre pairing.
But whether Rennie can carve something of consequence out of his first season at the helm remains to be seen, although it’s not like former coach Ian Foster left a legacy of greatness.
Rennie said: “We’re rapt Sonny’s joining the Chiefs. He had a very good World Cup and his professionalism and work ethic will have a great influence on what is a very young team.”
From New Zealand’s perspective, this is the best possible outcome in terms of an appropriate placement for the Sonny Bill brand.
With Ma’a Nonu and Piri Weepu having recently joined the Auckland Blues located 45 minutes up the road, next year’s local derbies are now a genuine clash of the titans.
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