Williams to retire from football after Wolfpack bid falls through
By Adrian Proszenko
November 3, 2020 — 8.00pm
Sonny Bill Williams' storied footballing career has almost certainly come to an end.
Williams was contracted to Toronto for 2021, but his lucrative deal has fallen through after the club was denied readmission to the Super League. The cross-code star has no interest in playing anywhere else, ending one of the most remarkable careers in the rugby codes.
The 35-year-old underwent neck surgery this week, but is aiming to return to the boxing ring once he recovers. He is scheduled to fight former AFL star Barry Hall over the summer.
Williams will finish his league career with 123 NRL appearances for Canterbury and the Roosters and 12 Tests for the Kiwis. His Toronto stint will finish with just five appearances after the Wolfpack was forced to withdraw from the Super League due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Williams also made an indelible impression on the 15-man game during stints with the Crusaders and Chiefs, as well as in France and Japan. He is also a two-time World-Cup winning All Black, playing 58 Tests for New Zealand.
Williams made five appearances for the Roosters at his second stint in the club, an opportunity that arose following the Wolfpack's withdrawal from the Super League. After his final appearance for the tricolours, Williams said he didn't know what his future held.
"I'm not too sure at this stage, I've got to talk to the wife," Williams said last month.
"These old joints are a little bit tough to get out of the starting blocks each week. We will see what happens with Toronto and if that falls through, then who knows."
The Roosters have made no secret of their desire to add Williams to their coaching staff. Williams has no intention of playing against one of their NRL rivals and the Wolfpack development closes the door on a return to the playing field.
The Wolfpack's prospective new owners, Wolf Grooming Investment Group, couldn't come to terms with the Super League for re-entry in 2021 following a meeting with the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the 11 Super League clubs. Williams had signed a two-year deal reportedly worth $10 million for seasons 2020-21, but has only been paid a fraction of his contract. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to recoup more of the money owed to him.
By Adrian Proszenko
November 3, 2020 — 8.00pm
Sonny Bill Williams' storied footballing career has almost certainly come to an end.
Williams was contracted to Toronto for 2021, but his lucrative deal has fallen through after the club was denied readmission to the Super League. The cross-code star has no interest in playing anywhere else, ending one of the most remarkable careers in the rugby codes.
The 35-year-old underwent neck surgery this week, but is aiming to return to the boxing ring once he recovers. He is scheduled to fight former AFL star Barry Hall over the summer.
Williams will finish his league career with 123 NRL appearances for Canterbury and the Roosters and 12 Tests for the Kiwis. His Toronto stint will finish with just five appearances after the Wolfpack was forced to withdraw from the Super League due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Williams also made an indelible impression on the 15-man game during stints with the Crusaders and Chiefs, as well as in France and Japan. He is also a two-time World-Cup winning All Black, playing 58 Tests for New Zealand.
Williams made five appearances for the Roosters at his second stint in the club, an opportunity that arose following the Wolfpack's withdrawal from the Super League. After his final appearance for the tricolours, Williams said he didn't know what his future held.
"I'm not too sure at this stage, I've got to talk to the wife," Williams said last month.
"These old joints are a little bit tough to get out of the starting blocks each week. We will see what happens with Toronto and if that falls through, then who knows."
The Roosters have made no secret of their desire to add Williams to their coaching staff. Williams has no intention of playing against one of their NRL rivals and the Wolfpack development closes the door on a return to the playing field.
The Wolfpack's prospective new owners, Wolf Grooming Investment Group, couldn't come to terms with the Super League for re-entry in 2021 following a meeting with the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the 11 Super League clubs. Williams had signed a two-year deal reportedly worth $10 million for seasons 2020-21, but has only been paid a fraction of his contract. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to recoup more of the money owed to him.
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