Rugby: Henry and provinces court Sonny Bill's agent

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

No one is certain what Sonny Bill Williams' sporting intentions are although it seems he is keen on persevering with his rugby career.

The 24-year-old has just finished another season playing for Toulon and is deciding whether to push on with his career on the French Riviera or follow his coach Tana Umaga back to New Zealand.

Umaga is heading for a playing and coaching career with Counties Manukau this season but there is no guarantee that Williams will follow the same trail if he chooses to play rugby here.

His agent, Khoder Nasser, has been involved in discussions with All Black coach Graham Henry and other NZRU officials and meetings with North Harbour and Counties officials. Nasser is also due to speak to Canterbury Rugby Union executives who would like to sign Williams to their province.

Williams is reported to be enjoying life in France and the club has made him a huge offer to stay on and be part of a side which will have former All Black prop Carl Hayman on next season's roster.

Offers have also come from New Zealand. They are not as lucrative but there is the extra lure that strong form by Williams in the national championship might lead to an All Black tour or perhaps selection for next year's World Cup. Williams is expected to reach a decision in the next few weeks.

"We would be keen for Sonny Bill Williams to come back and play in New Zealand," All Black coach Graham Henry told the Herald last week.

The questions had been asked, now they had to wait for the answer.

"I don't know whether Sonny Bill is going to be good enough and I don't think Sonny Bill knows himself," Henry added.

"The only way Sonny Bill is going to find out is to play rugby in this country for a period of time ..."