Rugby legend, Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed his retirement from rugby union and rugby league after a 17-year career which spanned both codes. The 58-Test All Black has been without a club since leaving the Sydney Roosters last year and has now hinted about possible return to professional boxing, where his last professional bout was six years ago. Williams announcement means he will hang up his boots for good in a career which touched the Rugby World Cup, the Olympics, Super Rugby, as well as the NRL and Super League.
The two-time World Cup-winning All Black switched codes in 2008 to join Toulon in the Top 14. And, after a two-year stint, returned home to New Zealand for a short stint at the Crusaders before signing with the Chiefs. As part of the triumphant 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup All Blacks squads, Williams took a run at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and embarked on year playing on the HSBC World Sevens Series.
His Olympic dream came crashing down in the first match New Zealand played in Rio, when Williams partially tore his achilles tendon against Japan. Upon his return home, Williams committed to New Zealand Rugby and agreed a three-year deal to join the Blues to allow him to compete against the British & Irish Lions in 2017.
When his deal with the Blues expired after the 2019 Rugby World Cup where New Zealand claimed third place, the 35-year-old switched codes again to sign a £600,000 contract with the Toronto Wolfpack and subsequently re-joined the Sydney Rooster. The devout Muslim player will be remembered as one of the greatest rugby player in history.
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