Cardiff cousin sheds light on Sonny Bill's future

Sonny Bill Williams has his family behind him regardless of the direction he chooses to take his career after next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Cardiff Blues No 8 Nick Williams – a former member of the Blues in Super Rugby as well – is the cousin of Sonny Bill Williams and the brother of former Chiefs outside back Tim Nanai-Williams.

“We are close as a family and I regularly speak to Sonny Bill,” Nick Williams said in an interview with The Guardian.

When asked about what his cousin would do after the World Cup the big forward was unable to provide details, but was certain of how he would fare.

“Whatever he does, I am sure he will be good at it,” Williams said. “He is someone who keeps his professional and private lives separate.”

35-year-old Williams is also weighing up his own rugby futue. He made his debut for the Blues in 2004, but has been in Europe for the last ten years.

“The heart still wants to go on but it depends on how well the body holds up,” he said.

“I am in negotiations about carrying on, but with my wife first. I never thought I would still be involved when I reached 30 given the way I play, so going on this long must have something to do with my genes.”

“Whatever I do after the World Cup, I will not be returning to New Zealand. My wife and I will be settling in Cardiff with our three girls, all of whom were born in Europe.

“I have worked here for 12 years and it has become a home away from New Zealand; Wales could do with another Williams!”

Williams was a Junior All Black in 2005 and 2006, and has plied his trade across Europe, representing Munster, Aironi, Ulster and Cardiff.

Cousin Sonny Bill is a 51-test All Black and two-time World Cup winner after converting from rugby league.

He has struggled with injury of late, managing just ten appearances across Super Rugby and international rugby in 2018 after a slew of wrist, shoulder and knee injuries.

In other news: