In a coup for New Zealand’s bottom-placed Super Rugby side, the Blues have announced the signing of dual international Sonny Bill Williams through until the end of 2019.
The Auckland-based side had something of an inside running on SBW’s signature, the two-time World Cup winner wanting to live near family based in New Zealand’s largest city.
Williams was also keen to once again be coached by Tana Umaga, his coach at Toulon, who first lured him away from rugby league to play rugby in France.
“Sonny is a marquee international player, and first and foremost he is here to play. His experience and expertise will be a major asset to a young backline,” Umaga said.
“Off the field he brings leadership and a thoroughly professional attitude and approach that will hugely benefit our club and our players.”
It is understood the deal with the Blues will allow Sonny Bill to continue his boxing career, as well as pursue a third World Cup title with the All Blacks at the 2019 tournament in Japan. But first he is pursuing Olympic gold with the All Blacks sevens at Rio.
“In our view Sonny is one of the most prized signatures in rugby right now,” Blues Chief Executive Michael Redman said.
“This announcement is a further reflection that we are moving in the right direction, that Sonny relishes the challenge and opportunity to help us realise our ambitions and believes we have the environment, coaching and direction to achieve them.”
This is the longest contract Williams has signed since he walked out on his five-year deal with the Bulldogs in the NRL, way back in 2008.
It also effectively puts to bed any speculation that Williams will return to the 13-man game at any point in the future – he will be 34 when this contract expires.
Although, when you’re talking about Sonny Bill Williams, anything is possible.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
RT some teams have the player pools to be expected to win or at least get to the semi finals. All 5 NZ teams, Waratahs, Reds, even Brumbies, variable SA teams. Blues should have a particularly good pool, so the bar is set especially high, Crusaders high. It's not good enough for teams with such tremendous talent available as these to say 'we're growing', 'we're making progress', 'look at these good things we did'. They should be winning and if not coming very close.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
They didn't click Muzzo.... they lost didn't they! ...*S*
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
KPM ... I think that's fair enough... I'd be a mite disappointed if the Blues were not there or thereabouts next year, never mind 3-5 years. Next year will be the 2nd year for Umaga and his first in which he has been able to choose his squad... I'd certainly not agree with your suggestion he is a poor coach which is really unsupported by his results to date albeit at a lower level. Compare his past performances with other coaches past performances of all other S18 teams.
ClarkeG
Guest
Anthony Mundine is the name I think you are after.
CUW
Guest
again the same manager (i think) who organized the bouts - and there is a 3rd right ? some auzzy guy who played league ? (forget his name but i think he was the first on board). incidentally from what i have herad , the manager is the one following Islam and sonny only converted after. a lot was said about sonny's lifestyle and how he had helped forming the team culture in his second stint in league. usually people who convert to a religion tend to follow it more strictly than those who inherited it at birth.
ClarkeG
Guest
I can only go by what I read through the media - there is also the boxing connection as well.
CUW
Guest
doubt they are good mates - they share the manager so guess they run into each other and swap contract details :D but given Sonny is devoted to Islamic lifestyle , he would prefer a quieter and less public passtimes (and mates)
CUW
Guest
every contract under the sun has a get out clause . only difference is in the amount !!! when ur dealing with the future , it is a must. things can go south very quickly.
ClarkeG
Guest
Slightly bizarre as it seems at first I agree it might not be that silly. And SBW and Cooper are good mates are they not.
taylorman
Guest
For me Reiko is the next star...at Centre. His instinct, attacking game and reads are well beyond his age of 19, and like the greats always seems to have that extra second or two tucked away. 2019 World cup...one of the standouts I reckon.
Council
Guest
Gee you must not rate RWCs or Bledisloes or RCs as well as Super titles very high?
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
With the Blues playing pool winning within 3-5 years, or at least semi-finals.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Actually I think that's a dam!n good idea! He'd go well in that company and has similarities to the last successful player in the position...Spencer. Plus he'd only a couple of hundred kms from his birthplace! I'd love to see him with the Blues!
Jerry
Guest
All of those players were from within the 'catchment area' (not really a thing anymore, but still). I think was maximillian is saying is that the Blues have struggled to attract top drawer talent or up and comers from outside the Auckland area. There's been a few over the years, but not many.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
KPM... fair enough, lets see how it turns out.... what is your pass mark then?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep ... interesting huh?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
NZ sites are saying that lock / Loosie Jimmy Topou from the Crusaders has decided to link up with Umaga (his Counties / Manakau coach).
Shane D
Roar Rookie
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Let's see how it works out then :-)
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Who?