Williams’ shock return a huge coup for All Blacks

GRAHAM HENRY went into his Test week with Ireland celebrating one huge triumph already after the All Blacks coach yesterday persuaded Sonny Bill Williams to give up the chance of becoming the highest paid player in rugby history.

The dynamic winger, who has been a revelation at big-spending Toulon since his move from rugby league, had been offered a staggering $6million (€5m) to remain with the Top 14 side for another three years.

However, he has instead made a shock move back home, deciding to pledge his future to the All Blacks and will sign an 18-month contract with the NZRU for a fraction of the $2m-a-year offer that was on the table in the south of France.

New Zealand-born Williams was the biggest name in league before his move to Toulon when he was signed by then coach Tana Umaga. He indicated to sources in Australia yesterday that the chance to play for Graham Henry’s side in next year’s Rugby World Cup was too hard to resist.

The signing is a coup for New Zealand chiefs who not only saw off the millions of Toulon, but the advances of a host of Australia’s biggest rugby league sides who had also been chasing him.