Sonny Bill Williams to chase All Blacks spot

WELLINGTON (AFP) - Former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed he will turn his back on French rugby to chase a place in the All Blacks at next year's World Cup.

Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed he will turn his back on French rugby to chase a place in the All Blacks (© AFP/File - Patrick Valasseris)

"I'm coming home to pursue my childhood dream and work towards earning an All Blacks jersey," the New Zealander said in a statement late Thursday.

Williams reportedly turned down a three-year deal worth five million US dollars to stay at French club Toulon to chase his All Blacks dream, which would see him paid around 450,000 US dollars a year.

Williams, who turned his back on a stellar rugby league career in Australia in 2008 to switch codes and join Toulon, has yet to decide which province he will play rugby for in New Zealand.

"My first decision has been to commit to New Zealand and I've done that today. The next step will be to decide on a province and I'll decide that closer to my return to New Zealand early next month," he said.

There has been speculation he will join Counties Manakau, who will be coached by his Toulon coach and former All Black captain Tana Umaga.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew welcomed Williams' decision to sign a contract through to the end of next year.

"Sonny Bill has proved himself as an outstanding athlete and a skilful player in two codes and has shown his rugby potential with Toulon in France," Tew said. "He will be an exciting addition to the 2010 ITM Cup domestic competition."

Williams' move was a central talking point among the All Blacks and Ireland camps as they rounded off their training Friday for Saturday's one-off Test in New Plymouth.

"I think it's great. He's obviously pretty keen, he's pretty driven," said All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, quipping that "it wouldn't hurt would it" to have Williams sign with his Canterbury Crusaders franchise in the regional Super 15 competition.

"He's a hell of an athlete from what I've seen."

Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll saw Williams move as good for both New Zealand and the sport.

"I saw a little bit of him when he was playing league. He is obviously a very exciting and talented player. He's a very good signing for them," he said.

"It was great to have him switch codes. With union you want the best players in the world to be able to play against. So it's a great signing and I'm sure he will do well."

Williams told Australian rugby league television show "The Footy Show" late Thursday he was keen to prove himself and win a place in the All Blacks for next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

"The chance to play in a competition (World Cup) watched by four billion people is something I couldn't let slip through my hands without having a go," he said.

But the 24-year-old former New Zealand rugby league representative said he had to establish himself at provincial level before trying for an All Blacks spot.

"There's a lot of competition to make the All Blacks. I have to get back there and prove myself."