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Sonny Bill Williams' surprise omissions in touching 'thank you' to New Zealand rugby
All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has posted a heartfelt goodbye to New Zealand rugby fans, teammates and management as he embarks on the next adventure in his remarkable sporting career – but, somewhat surprisingly, failed to mention several names, including those of outgoing coach Steve Hansen, former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and New Zealand Rugby chief executive Stew Tew.
Williams, 34, who quit the All Blacks after the failed Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan, confirmed on Friday that he would be joining Canadian league team the Toronto Wolfpack on a two-year deal – reported to be worth almost $10 million.
The code-hopping superstar has had two previous stints with NRL teams – with the Bulldogs between 2004 and 2008, and the Sydney Roosters (2013/2014) – and is undefeated in seven professional boxing bouts.
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In a message to his 880,000 Twitter followers, Williams thanked NZR chairman Brent Impey and head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum but didn’t mention Tew, who is stepping down next month after 12 years as CEO.
“Obviously, my time in New Zealand has come to an end but I think it’s only right that I send a message of gratitude to those that have helped me along my journey,” Williams said.
“First, I’ll start at the top. NZRU, Brent Impey, Chris Lendrum, it’s been a pleasure dealing with you guys over the last 10 years.”
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1192578417188691968
In the video, 58-test veteran Williams thanks several former teammates, opponents and coaches, including England icon Jonny Wilkinson, and French test star-turned-coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
He also singles out outgoing All Blacks captain Kieran Read as the best captain he’s played with.
Read has captained Williams in the black jersey since taking over from McCaw following his retirement in the aftermath of the All Blacks’ second consecutive World Cup triumph in 2015.
“Influential figures in my career … obviously Tana Umaga, Jonny Wilkinson, John Kirwan, Dave Rennie, Philippe Saint-Andre, you guys put that belief in me when there was still the unknown whether I could go all the way or not, so I’m forever thankful,” Williams said.
“Being able to rub shoulders and play alongside some special players and some special talent. Izzy Dagg, I guess the best captain that I’ve ever played alongside Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Keven Mealamu, Ma’a Nonu, Jerome Kaino … the list goes on and on. The Franks brothers, Sam Cane …”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4k44pTghDo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Williams, who had Super Rugby stints with the Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues, seems to suggest that All Black rugby is in good hands, with the likes of Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett and Rieko and Akira Ioane at the top of their games.
“Also, having longevity and being around long enough to see special talent come through. Guys like the Barrett brothers and the Ioane boys. I just hope you guys remember me when I come up with my sons to ask for signatures in 10 years,” Williams said.
“And last, but not least, [thank you] to the fans – the young ones that come up for signatures and to the old ones that just wanted a yarn, I’m forever grateful.”
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Bar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
9 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
35 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
2 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
35 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
35 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
35 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
35 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
35 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
35 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to comments