All Black lock sent home in disgrace

FLAMBOYANT All Black lock Ali Williams has been sent packing in disgrace from South Africa by his Auckland Blues Super 14 team for offences including drinking before matches.

Williams, who has struggled to get a starting place in the Blues this season, will miss this weekend’s Super 14 semi-final against the Sharks and the final if the Blues win in Durban.

Blues chief executive Andy Dalton said the 26-year-old was guilty of a series of offences over recent weeks and the decision to send him home was made by team management and six senior players.