Williams no mercenary, says Blacks boss Henry

NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry insists Sonny Bill Williams is no mercenary after revealing the 25-year-old took a huge pay cut to fulfil his dream of becoming an All Black.

Former rugby league star Williams was criticised for switching codes in 2008, leaving Australian side Canterbury Bulldogs to take up a lucrative contract with French side Toulon.

However, he turned his back on Europe and another large pay day this summer to return home and join Canterbury with the intention of forcing his way into the All Blacks squad.