Play nzherald.co.nz's rugby Pick the Score competition - go to: pickthescore.nzherald.co.nz
KEY POINTS:
Ali Williams is set to skip some of next year's Super 14 to pursue coaching and commercial opportunities in the United States as part of an innovative deal to keep him in New Zealand until 2011.
The All Black lock is in talks to extend his contract and
the New Zealand Rugby Union have offered a non-playing sabbatical. Williams is understood to be interested in taking time out to travel the States.
The NZRU has a strategic partnership with the US and Williams could strengthen the alliance by holding coaching clinics with America's elite and grassroots players. There would also be opportunity for Williams to speak at corporate functions and develop relationships with a host of commercial enterprises.
Details on when Williams would take his break and for how long have not been
discussed but the most likely start date is after this year's All Black tour of Europe in November.
If he goes then, the 28-year-old could miss part or all of the 2010 Super 14, but that would be preferable to him being unavailable for All Black tests. Neither Williams nor the All Black selectors support taking a sabbatical in early 2011 - just nine months out from the World Cup.
NZRU manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, said: "Ali is a really good example of why we are trying to be flexible in our contracts.
"He's a guy who bashes himself about a bit and in the last two years he's had niggling injuries so we have to ask, how can we manage his career over the next few years? We are open to all options and we are very player welfare focused."
Williams, who politely declined an interview request, has become a critical member of the All Blacks in recent seasons and is one of the five-strong on-field leadership group.
Both the NZRU and All Blacks are determined to keep Williams in New Zealand until the next World Cup. They are also aware that after seven seasons as a regular All Black, Williams has endured a heavy workload that is starting to take a toll.
Williams struggled last year with an ankle injury that forced him to sit out the Air New Zealand Cup and bothered him on the end of year tour. He's currently in Auckland - a back problem preventing him from joining the Blues in South Africa.
Granting Williams an extended break from rugby where he can physically and mentally recharge is seen as imperative to keep him operating at his world class best.
There are concerns that Williams, a natural athlete whose game is built on mobility, would lose much of his effectiveness if compound fatigue took its grip.
A non-playing sabbatical is seen as the optimal solution with light coaching duties in the US providing Williams with a link to the game.
Sorensen says that talks with other players coming off contract at the end of this year are also progressing positively.
Mils Muliaina and Rodney So'oialo are two of the bigger names the NZRU is trying to keep and it is likely that both will also be offered the chance to take an extended break from playing between now and the World Cup, should they commit to an extension.
Muliaina has said he's interested in heading overseas and is assessing what options exist offshore. He'll make a decision on his future in the next few months as he's also tempted by the idea of staying in New Zealand to play in what would be his third World Cup.