Ali Williams: Southern hemisphere exodus will hurt game

Ali Williams, in his final year at Toulon in France, says the growing exodus of players from the south to the north will ultimately hurt the international game. Photo / Greg Bowker.

Former All Black Ali Williams, in his final year at Toulon in France, says the growing exodus of players from the south to the north will ultimately hurt the international game.

Williams, who is about to turn 34, is preparing to help his club prepare for a European Cup semifinal against Leinster in Marseille and said he was concerned at the trend of younger players leaving. Colin Slade, who will play for Pau next year, is the latest to announce his departure.

Players who are based overseas are not eligible to represent the All Blacks.

Former World Cup winner Williams told the Guardian: "More and more players are coming over here and it is a different rugby experience.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in France and they have been a bonus two years because I felt finished, as if my body had had enough. Toulon have looked after me and the rest of the older guys here, allowing us to keep our zimmer frames until the Wednesday or Thursday of match week, and more and more players in the southern hemisphere will want to experience what I have: it is not just an opportunity but a career and the financial side means you have to make the most of it.

"At the same time, you do not want all this movement to ruin international rugby because that is what makes the game unique in the sporting world. The question is whether you want to stop it, but a solution has to be found."

Should Toulon beat Leinster this weekend, Williams' final match will be the final at Twickenham.

"Playing at Twickenham would mean a lot to me. It was where I made my debut for the All Blacks and I will be living in London after leaving Toulon. I have yet to decide exactly what I will be doing: I have a few options to consider, including the media, but I would want a break before considering coaching.

There is still a lot to play for before then and while people talk about three European Cups in a row, that is not in our minds. Our aim is to do as well as we can."