All Blacks: 'Humbled' Sonny Bill to stay in NZ (+ video)

Sonny Bill Williams' Super Rugby options remain open. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Sonny Bill Williams has confirmed he'll stay in New Zealand for at least another year, and a three-way race is now expected for his signature.

He must decide between the Blues, Chiefs and Crusaders as his Super Rugby franchise.

The All Blacks midfielder said when he initially signed with the NZRU he had no intention of staying beyond 2011.

Williams said the amount of support he's had is humbling and it was one of the reasons for sticking around.

"I'm committed to staying here for another year. It's due to the fact that the amount of support that I've got back in New Zealand has been pretty humbling and cool at the same time," he said.

"I've known for a long time what the All Black brand is and what it's about. When you're living in France and young kids are walking around who can't even speak English and wearing All Black jerseys, you know that the All Black brand is pretty big.

"But what's surprised me is the amount of support I've got back here. It's been really humbling just little kids coming up and asking for signatures and grandmas and things like that. It's been pretty cool.

"Obviously playing for the All Black jersey, that's something I pride myself on doing. At the moment it's just one more year but things could change."

The second-five eighth hopes to make a decision on his franchise future before the World Cup.

"It's a tough one I'm torn in a few directions," he said.

"Chiefs, Blues or Crusaders. It's tough. I'm torn in three directions but at the same time I'm just happy to be here in camp with the All Blacks and hopefully play this week."

The double international made his All Black debut against England last year, playing four tests during the Grand Slam tour.

He made his Super 15 debut this season for the Crusaders, playing a key role as the side reached a record 10th Super Rugby final.

After first making his name in rugby league, playing 73 matches for the Bulldogs and seven tests for the Kiwis between 2004 and 2008, along with four boxing appearances in the last three years, it was thought Williams would turn his back on rugby and either return to league or concentrate on boxing next year.

A five year contract Williams signed with the Bulldogs in 2007 has always blocked a possible return to the NRL, but it would be cleared to play for another team from the start of next season.

Now the battle is on between New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises to sign him up.

As reported in the Herald on Sunday earlier in the month, having already lured Ma'a Nonu from the Hurricanes, the Blues are confident Williams is also close to reaching agreement with the franchise which will give them the most powerful midfield in world rugby.

The Chiefs have been aggressive in their attempts to sign Williams, hoping that his close relationship with incoming technical adviser Wayne Smith will hold an irresistible pull.

The Crusaders are losing faith they will keep Williams; rugby-wise the 25-year-old would prefer to stay but lifestyle-wise he's been spooked by the earthquakes.

- NEWSTALK ZB/HERALD ONLINE/HERALD ON SUNDAY