A passion for coaching has seen Russell Williams receive a unique opportunity to be involved with New Zealand's elite players.
The Papamoa resident has been given a casual contracted position with New Zealand Cricket as a high-performance resource coach working with Black Caps players, including homegrown stars Kane Williamson and Trent Boult at the Bay Oval and Bay Indoor Centre at Mount Maunganui.
When the Black Caps came to the Bay Oval to prepare and play the West Indies earlier this year, Williams was invited to help with the New Zealand preparation. Further contact followed, with Williams offered a part-time contract to assist the Black Caps whenever they were in the Western Bay.
"My role is pretty casual. Whenever they are in town I am pretty much on call. If they need me I am there. I talk with the likes of [bowling coach] Shane Jorgensen and [coach] Mike Hesson and those sort of guys to try and elaborate a plan from there really," Williams said.
"From another perspective whenever Kane and Trent are home they can give me a call and ask for a session."