Rugby World Cup final: Sonny Bill Williams gives medal to boy who was 'smoked'

All Black Sonny Bill Williams has given his Rugby World Cup winner medal to a young boy who was "smoked" in a tackle from a security guard after running on the field following the side's 34-17 win over Australia.

Williams said the boy, reportedly named Charlie Lines, was seven or eight and he felt sorry for him.

"Just before he came to give me a hug he got smoked by one of the security guards and I felt pretty sorry for him you know,"

"If that was a younger brother or cousin I would have given the security guard a hiding you know. But I just picked the kid up and took him back to his old lady and tried to make the night more memorable for him. Better (for the medal) to be hanging around his neck than mine."

Williams, who next year will concentrate on Sevens and the Rio Olympic Games, had earlier thanked the nation for their support and also passed on his love to family.

Williams already has plenty of silverware. In the last four years he has won the World Cup twice, an NRL title with the Roosters and three heavyweight boxing fights.

This kid ran on pitch & was grabbed by security. SBW rescued & have his medal. Thanks Jeremy Stormer #BLACKTOBLACK pic.twitter.com/ZS3LH1fzCe

— Dean Buchanan (@buchanandr) October 31, 2015

Young fan Charlie Lines reacts to being presented with the winning medal of Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty

Young fan Charlie Lines is all smiles after being given the winning medal of Sonny Bill Williams. Photo /Getty

Sonny Bill Williams gives his winners medal to young fan Charlie Lines. Photo / Getty

Image 1 of 20: Fans gather as the All Blacks arrive at Twickenham Stadium for the Rugby World Cup Final. Photo / Brett Phibbs