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.
cuw
Guest
the man and the myth are like chalk n cheese. the Sydney roosters team had commented how great a team man he was and his work ethic, including encouraging team mates to give up alcohol and eat healthy. though he was injured a lot during his time there, he had made it a point to pop in and cheer the others at training or at matches. like it or not he is a superstar and one of the most recognizable faces in either league or union.
cuw
Guest
Charlie had tried to give it back to SBW, who had refused the offer . now lets wait and see if he will give away his RIO OLYMPICS medal :)
Never been a huge fan of SBW, thought he came along with far too much hype, and the fact that it seemed he was just chasing trophies cross codes didn't really help his cause in my view. However two incidents during this World Cup has changed my mind completely. The manner in which he consoled Jesse Kriel and now giving his RWC medal to a young boy. For that he has changed my mind, and I will forever respect him for such kind acts of empathy and selfless acts.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Well I'd be excited too! ... He will never forget SBW and 'the last day in October 2015'
Rugby Tragic
Guest
I think they were referring to Savea's try vs France which he won
Shrink
Guest
Thought he would have put it up on E-bay by now, but no - he's 14 year old Charlie Line who attends the prestigious Millfield School in Somerset. Sounds like a sensible lad but prone to be excitable on occasion.
breakdown
Guest
:) genuinely lol!
pjm
Roar Rookie
That kid is probably in gaol now.
breakdown
Guest
perhaps he should give this one to a random Canterbury Bulldogs club member's kid that he dudded one middle of the night!
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Scratch that. The stuff.co.nz posted a premature article an hour ago that Savea had won it. Congratulations to Dan Carter. Like Richie a three time world rugby player of the year
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
And Julian Savea walked away with player of the year. I thought it was between Carter and Pocock.
MH01
Guest
Brilliant from SBW, this is what a rugby role model should be to kids!!
Brisbane boys
Guest
Cool Seems like a good bloke
wardad
Guest
A just reward for a great kindnesss . Good on the man who has silenced his critics in so many ways.