Sonny Bill Williams has signed a new contract with New Zealand Rugby until 2019 and will play with the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby next season.
The global superstar has put to bed speculation that he could return to the NRL after re-signing until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Williams, 30, is currently vying for a spot in the New Zealand Sevens team for the Rio Olympics in an attempt to add to the two World Cup winner’s medals that he has won.
The former Waikato Chief said that he made up his mind after speaking with Steve Hansen.
“When you have probably the best coach ever in the 15-man game telling him you’re part of his plans, that really means a lot,” he said. “Straight after that I got on to my manager and said I want to stay, let’s get the contract done.
“I’ve got a young family, little daughter and hopefully some more kids and my wife doesn’t have any family here and most of my family’s in Auckland. That weighed a lot in my decision.
“There’s no secret me and [Blues coach] Tana Umaga go way back,” added Williams.
You can view an interview with Umaga on the signing of Williams below, as well as highlights of his 2010 season with Canterbury.
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