KEY POINTS:
Ali Williams' fractious relationship with David Nucifora appears likely to cause turmoil with the All Black's provincial rugby future.
Auckland yesterday indicated he was not wanted after his switch of allegiance to the Crusaders.
It is a move sure to attract more criticism of the transfer system.
Williams has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2009 - welcome news considering the post-World Cup departure of several of his teammates.
His move to Tasman is motivated by a desire to play for the Crusaders in the Super 14 instead of the Blues under Australian Nucifora.
The 42-test lock said he might not play for Tasman in the Air NZ Cup.
Williams' likely international commitments next year mean Tasman can't expect the 26-year-old to log much game time.
But the fact he has an option to be loaned out to Canterbury is likely to upset some fans.
There was an option for the deal to stipulate Williams would be loaned back to Auckland, but Auckland Rugby Union chief executive Andy Dalton rolled up the welcome mat soon after the contract was announced.
"There's no intention of signing anyone for Auckland who's not available for the Blues," Dalton said.
"From our point of view that's not in the spirit of the contract system in New Zealand rugby.
"We made it clear we would not be looking at any loan-back deal, we want our top players playing in front of our crowds."
Dalton said he had hoped Williams could patch up his differences with Nucifora.
The pair fell out when Williams was used sparingly after the All Blacks' reconditioning period finished halfway through the Super 14.
Disciplinary issues then surfaced, culminating in Williams being sent home from South Africa before the Blues' semifinal exit.
"It's been a frustrating process for everyone and at the end of the day Ali's made his choice," Dalton said.
After being burnt by the Rico Gear case - in which the World Cup standby wing was loaned to Canterbury after effectively refusing to travel to Nelson from his Christchurch base - Tasman chief executive Lee Germon this month said his union would be careful about signing All Blacks.
But Germon defended the acquisition of Williams.
"One of our priorities is to support the Crusaders in any meaningful way we can," he said.
"This is a business decision as well as a rugby decision. If the Crusaders do well, Tasman does well. It makes a lot of sense to have Ali Williams in a Crusaders jersey."
Williams conceded Tasman supporters might have mixed feelings about his signing.
"It could be mixed to be honest but once again I'm not saying I won't be playing for them," he said.
"I'm not too sure where I'll end up. That's the reality of professional rugby."
Williams said he considered other Super 14 franchises and a move overseas before signing a new contract with the NZRU.
Williams did not want to discuss his relationship with Nucifora.
"That's the past, those things happen. There's no point looking back," he said. "My sole reason is to go down there and grow as a person and a rugby player."
Williams also cited a lifestyle change, his close friendship with Crusaders' All Blacks and the coaching influence of Robbie Deans as contributing factors.
He shapes as a ready-made replacement for England-bound All Blacks teammate Chris Jack.
The Crusaders also have locking options in Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Kevin O'Neill and Reuben Thorne.
- NZPA
