NEW ZEALAND’S GREATEST RUGBY PLAYERS – SONNY BILL WILLIAMS

Rugby League Career

Sonny Bill Williams‘ Rugby League career began when he was discovered by Bulldogs talent scout John Ackland while playing for the Marist Saints junior team in Auckland. Subsequently, he moved to Sydney in 2002, becoming the youngest player to sign with an NRL club, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Williams’ debut in 2004 marked the beginning of a significant impact in the NRL. Moreover, he became the youngest player to compete in a Grand Final, helping the Bulldogs secure victory against the Sydney Roosters.

Williams’ tenure with the Bulldogs saw him earn the RLIF Rookie of the Year award in 2004. Furthermore, his performance on the field was remarkable, despite a series of injuries that hampered his playtime in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, Williams made a controversial mid-season switch to French rugby union club Toulon, citing salary cap concerns.

Transition to Rugby Union

Sonny Bill Williams’ Rugby Union career began with his move to Toulon in 2008. Consequently, his shift from league to union garnered significant media attention. Williams’ performance in France was commendable, culminating in a runner-up finish in the 2009-10 European Challenge Cup. Despite a lucrative offer from Toulon, he chose to return to New Zealand, aiming to play for the All Blacks.

In 2010, Williams signed with the NZRU and joined Canterbury in the ITM Cup and the Crusaders in Super Rugby. Moreover, his versatility as a center and occasional wing proved invaluable. Williams won 58 caps for New Zealand and was instrumental in their Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. Additionally, he represented New Zealand in rugby sevens, competing in the 2016 Olympics.

Boxing Career

In addition to his rugby prowess, Sonny Bill Williams pursued a career in boxing. He fought professionally ten times, securing titles such as the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion and the WBA International Heavyweight Champion. However, he was stripped of these titles due to non-responsiveness to challenges.

Legacy and Retirement

Williams retired from both rugby codes in March 2021. His dual-code career is celebrated for his athleticism, versatility, and impact on both rugby league and union. Consequently, his journey from a shy, talented kid in Auckland to an international rugby star and heavyweight boxer is nothing short of inspirational.

Ellis Rugby Vintage Collections

To honor Sonny Bill Williams’ Rugby legacy, Ellis Rugby offers the Vintage New Zealand Rugby Union collection and the Kiwi Rugby League Range. These collections feature a variety of Polos, T-Shirts, and Rugby Shirts celebrating the great All Blacks and Kiwi Rugby teams. Therefore, fans can commemorate Williams’ contributions to the sport with these stylish and nostalgic pieces.