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'When someone enters into your sport... and changes the way things are seen and done'
Players from across the game have been paying tribute to former All Black Sonny Bill Williams after he announced his retirement from all forms of rugby this week.
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The dual-code New Zealand international made a defining impact in both union and league, having won two World Cups and a Super Rugby title in the 15-man code, and two NRL titles in the 13-man code. However, at the age of 35 he is now switching his attention back to boxing.
The ovation that he received on social media is testament to the impact he had both on and off the field during his 17-year career, which saw him hop between both codes.
All Black Rieko Ioane described Williams as a “role model for what [he] did both on and off the field,” and that he “paved the way” for him. There are few players Ioane would have played alongside more in his career so far, having been a teammate of Williams’ with the New Zealand sevens team in 2016, the Blues and the All Blacks.
Perhaps former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu provided the most apposite description of his 58-cap former teammate as a “game-changer”. Mealamu said his fellow dual World Cup winner “changed the way things are seen and done. Both on and off the field,” which is undeniable, as his offloading prowess revolutionised union and made the All Blacks such a devastating attacking machine.
It is not just his teammates that are showering the former centre in glory, but many of his opponents too. Jamie Roberts called his former adversary “one of the best to do it at number 12,” while Matt Giteau said it was a “pleasure” and “scary” to face the 108kg back.
Williams will now focus on his boxing career which has been on ice since 2015. He has a 7-0 record, and formerly held the New Zealand heavyweight title in 2012 and the World Boxing Association (WBA) International heavyweight title in 2013.
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One of the best to do it at number 1??2??
Some career ?? @SonnyBWilliams
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) March 10, 2021
Awesome career.. absolute pleasure to play against u… also scary at the same time ??
— Matt Giteau ?? (@giteau_rugby) March 11, 2021
Thanks for the memories Brus. ??????. @SonnyBWilliams https://t.co/2JUeGAbTq6
— nemzy (@nemani_nadolo) March 10, 2021
See you soon in the ring @SonnyBWilliams ?? #legend #Rugby pic.twitter.com/HVg5xrAVUv
— Wesley Fofana (@wesleyfofana) March 10, 2021
Welldone on an amazing career SBW ??????????. God bless https://t.co/KZT0rRQAjr
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) March 11, 2021
Congratulations on a wonderful career and for, what not only you have done on the pitch, but also even more importantly your wonderful work off it. It was always a pleasure my friend and best wishes for the future
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) March 11, 2021
.@SonnyBWilliams absolute ‘Box office’ for @AllBlacks and many more. Someone is having it in the boxing ring.
— Jim (@jimhamilton4) March 10, 2021
I think he'll be remembered for much more good than that. https://t.co/OyOkCemOX5
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) March 10, 2021
Thank you uso. Inspired the next generation. A truly special player. However for those of us lucky enough to be around you, it was your heart and kindness that really stood out. All the best on the next journey big uce ?? #SBW https://t.co/AXEJenjau4
— Lima Sopoaga (@LimaSopoaga) March 11, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
You ask good questions, Nick. The group who have put together the proposal to play out of Tarneit and participate in the growing of the ground’s capacity are not a bunch of white knights who have been dragged in post-crisis; they were around whilst the Rebels accummulated $23m in debt. Why do we come up with ideas that might make the franchise affordable after it’s broke and not when it might have prevented the trainwreck this offseason was? As for Gordon/Kellaway v Lolesio/Wright, they are both good options. I think the former are better rugby players but the goal kicking of Noah may be decisive when Schmiddy makes his choices. I know Harry Jones has the hots for Edmed but I think it’s one of his few poor choices and he and Jorgensen aren’t close to the other pairs. By coincidence, the wife and I went into town over the weekend to watch Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson in Long Day’s Journey into Night. Beautifully acted but it was 3.5 hours in the chair and very hard work. Like the Rebels, there were only small bursts of joy to go with a lot of bad news and a depressing story line. In the end, I was hoping it would end and I could give my sore butt a break. Again, familiar.
34 Go to commentsGood decision, very good player but not international quality. But so was Jamison Gibson Park …..
3 Go to commentsLoose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
5 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
34 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
5 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
5 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
3 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
3 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
10 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
5 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
34 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
10 Go to commentsWowee!
10 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
10 Go to commentsJust remember: He is not a winger. Took Ian Foster 2 years to figure that out.
10 Go to commentsExcellent article, Nick. We (your RP colleague Brett McKay and my 8/9 Combo cohost), are going to have LSL on our podcast later this month. He has shown consistent excellence as a leader and lock. I’ll chat with you offline about a line of questioning if you have time. H
34 Go to commentsSo no Irish fan or journalist suggested JGP was as good as DuPont. Then even the guy who supposedly did is from Wales and said JGP would be the best around if it was t for DuPont. Right, so what is this story about again
20 Go to comments