KEY POINTS:
Senior All Blacks lock Ali Williams has ended speculation about his domestic rugby career by today announcing his return to Auckland and the Blues.
Williams, who transferred to Tasman in order to play for the Crusaders in this year's Super 14, has returned to Auckland with the province today confirming he has signed a two-year deal.
Williams shifted south after falling out with then-Blues coach David Nucifora, who has subsequently been replaced by Auckland stalwart Pat Lam.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, now with the Wallabies, also had a bearing on luring Williams to Christchurch where he played a crucial role in the franchise winning their seventh Super rugby title in May.
Though aligned to the struggling Tasman rugby union, Williams will not play for the province in this year's Air NZ Cup as he is resting after the All Blacks' successful Tri-Nations campaign.
- NZPA
