Rugby: Sonny Bill to sign with NZRU - report

Sonny Bill Williams has turned down a $6 million deal with Toulon to sign with the NZRU, according to a media report in Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams will return to New Zealand rugby next month, giving up a record contract at French club Toulon in hope of making the All Blacks ahead of next year's World Cup.

The 24-year-old would take up an 18-month contract with the NZRU, but was yet to decide which provincial and Super 15 teams he would play for, the Sydney Morning Herald reported today.

An official announcement would be made this week.

NZRU acting chief executive Neil Sorensen told media two weeks ago an offer had been made to Williams to play rugby in New Zealand from July.

The offer was "appropriate" for his potential, Reuters reported.

"He's not being offered ridiculous money," Sorenson said.

All Blacks rugby centre Conrad Smith said the chance to team up with Williams was something to look forward to.

"Yeah, for sure. I'm just glad that, if he does play, he's playing in New Zealand. If we've got hold of him rather than playing overseas then it'll be good," Smith told reporters on arrival in New Plymouth for Saturday's season-opening test against Ireland.

All Blacks management were tight-lipped, preferring to wait until when, or if, Williams put pen to paper.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew was also cautious.

"We have no more information, so there is not much point commenting until we have something from them," he said.

In April, All Blacks coach Graham Henry advised Williams to return to New Zealand this year to stake his claim for a World Cup spot.

Henry said he'd spoken at length to the gifted former Kiwis league international earlier this year as he mulled over his options before his Toulon contract ended this month.

Williams would take a pay cut if he turned his back on offers from Britain and France, and possibly NRL clubs, to return home to chase a Super 14 contract.

He had walked out on a five-year contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs league side in 2008 to join Toulon.

Williams will reportedly turn down an offer to remain at Toulon, said to be worth a staggering $6 million-plus for three years. The NZRU are reportedly offering $550,000.

The NZRU was unable to attempt to match Toulon's offer but had given Williams the choice of which teams he would play for, and he was given the option of returning to Europe or the NRL after the World Cup.

The Sun-Herald said Williams' Auckland-based mother, Lee, helped persuade him to return to New Zealand to prove he could be an All Black.

He has two sisters in Auckland and his partner Genna's family also live there.

- NZPA