Sonny Bill Williams will play in the backline for the Super rugby season alongside All Black teammates Aaron Cruden and Richard Kahui. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Sonny Bill Williams will fill his mentor's place in the Chiefs for next year's Super 15 series.
The midfield back is shifting north for next year's Super 15 and will replace Tana Umaga who oversaw his transition to rugby four years ago in France.
Umaga is still recovering after Achilles tendon surgery finished his season with the Chiefs but his protege will be in line to wear the No 12 jersey for the franchise.
The Waikato messages began filtering through social network sites yesterday after Williams tweeted he'd heard Hamilton was nice. He had flown out of New Zealand on holiday but his message indicated he was heading for the Chiefs rather than the Blues.
The Herald understands Williams' decision was influenced by former All Black assistant Wayne Smith's shift to the Chiefs, his relationship with Umaga and the vacancies left in the backline.
Mils Muliaina, Dwayne Sweeney, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany and Taniela Moa are taking up overseas contracts while Umaga is rehabbing his injury.
Officials from both the Chiefs and Blues sought Williams' signature even though it is understood he will see out just one more year in New Zealand rugby before heading offshore again.
Williams has a marketing allure draped in crowd appeal which is an attractive package for franchise officials, balanced by the issues his management, led by Khoder Nasser, can create.
NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen welcomed Williams' signature and while he would not reveal specific contract details, said he had an option to take part in a limited number of boxing bouts.
"The negotiations were refreshing," he said. "Sonny Bill and Khoder have done things differently from day one but they have always been professional and upfront. We've included some boxing options [believed to be up to three fights] for economic reasons otherwise we could not afford him.
"The contract is for one year," said Sorensen. "We'd love to have longer but we knew early on that was all we were getting."
There was no word on which province Williams would sign on with for the ITM Cup. Williams will line up alongside All Black teammates Aaron Cruden and Richard Kahui in a Chiefs backline which has a decent amount of horsepower but may struggle to get regular quality ball from their pack.
"We're rapt Sonny's joining the Chiefs. He had a very good World Cup and his professionalism and work ethic will have a great influence on what is a very young team," new Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said.
There has been no official communique from All Black coach Graham Henry about his future although Blues coach Pat Lam mentioned he would be keen to embrace his knowledge and experience in any official capacity.
The Blues have lost Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Winston Stanley, Luke McAlister, Stephen Brett, Chris Smylie, Kurtis Haiu and John Afoa from last year's roster.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry will make an announcement on his future at midday today.
By Wynne Gray
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