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Sonny Bill Williams hints at post-World Cup future

New Zealand back Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has opened up about where his career may head after next year’s Rugby World Cup.

It would be understandable for 33-year-old Williams to want to cap a stellar career at the conclusion of the showpiece tournament in Japan, but he insists he still has plenty more to give on the field.

The 51-test veteran told the Sydney Morning Herald that he still has a burning desire to continue playing rugby at the highest level, and is refusing to rule out another code switch.

“I’ve enjoyed the process so far,” he said. “And I have to think about what I will do in the future. I am positioning myself in case that becomes an option. I am enjoying doing a bit of studying and keeping my brain going in a different way.

“The last couple of years have been tough with injury, but I still have the fire inside me. I still feel fresh.

Williams’ injury woes have seen him appear in just five tests in 2018. He was also limited to just five appearances for the Blues during the Super Rugby season after missing time with a broken wrist along with knee and shoulder problems.

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Williams joined the Blues in 2017 and has been recommitted to union since 2014, but said he would consider switching back to rugby league – where he first made his name – should offers arrive.

“I’m not sure if league is in my future at 33 [but] if there are offers, I will examine it with my family and go from there,” Williams said.

Learn more about Japan, host of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with our exclusive city guides:

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Tom 35 minutes ago
Eben Etzebeth staring at huge ban after another red card

Well… I'd say the modern Boks are not a particularly violent team but it's impossible to getaway with much violence on an international rugby field now. The Boks of yesteryear were at times brutal. Whether or not the reputation is justified, they do have that reputation amongst a lot of rugby fans.

As for point 2.. it's a tricky one, I don't want to slander a nation here. I'm no “Bok hater”, but I've gotta say some Bok fans are the most obnoxious fans I've personally encountered. Notably this didn't seem to be a problem until the Boks became the best in the world. I agree that fans from other nations can be awful too, every nation has it's fair share of d-heads but going on any rugby forum or YouTube comments is quite tedious these days owing to the legions of partisan Bok fans who jump onto every thread regardless of if it's about the Boks to tell everyone how much better the Boks are than everyone else. A Saffa once told me that SA is a troubled country and because of that the Boks are a symbol of SA victory against all odds so that's why the fans are so passionate. At least you recognise that there is an issue with some Bok fans, that's more than many are willing to concede. Whatever the reason, it's just boring is all I can tell you and I can say coming from a place of absolute honesty I encounter far, far more arrogance and obnoxious behaviour from Bok fans than any other fanbase - the kiwis were nothing like this when they were on top. So look much love to SA, I bear no hatred of ill will, I just want to have conversations about rugby without being told constantly that the Boks are the best team in the world and all coaches except Rassie are useless etc



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