Rugby: SBW in line for ITM return

Sonny Bill Williams could feature in the ITM Cup as early as next week. Photo / Getty

Auckland coach Paul Feeney is relishing the prospect of facing a few familiar initials next week.

SBW, sometimes known as Sonny Bill Williams, could be suiting up for his new ITM Cup team Counties Manukau when they play Auckland next week.

As is with most things to do with the 29-year-old code-hopping legend, you're never quite sure until you see it in real life, but all indications are he will join Counties on Monday and play Auckland next Wednesday.

"If he comes off the bench, it won't be a bad sub, will it?" Feeney said. "I'm sure the crowd will get a bit louder. Obviously we're just thinking about Waikato at the moment, but I heard on the news driving in today...

"I think it's good for rugby. We thought he'd be playing at some stage.

"He's not going to go straight into an All Blacks tour, not having played [rugby] for two years. Our boys play footy for big challenges and big games and to play against the best people.

"He's a great offloader and good player, so we'll have to think how we defend against him."