Rugby: Canterbury glad to have Sonny Bill

Sonny Bill Williams put on the Canterbury colours in Surfers Paradise yesterday to announce his much-awaited move. Photo / Getty Images

Crusaders' coach Todd Blackadder and Canterbury provincial coach Rob Penney have put out the welcome mat for former league player Sonny Bill Williams.

Williams, who aims to be an All Black at next year's World Cup in New Zealand, sent a fax to the Canterbury Rugby Football Union confirming a two-year deal to base himself in the region to play provincial and Superrugby.

"Sonny Bill is an exciting prospect for us. We're all looking forward to working with him this season and are sure he will fit in very well," said Penney who guided Canterbury to the national provincial title last season.

Blackadder was sure Williams, who spurned big offers from Counties Manukau, Hawkes Bay and North Harbour, would do "very well with the Crusaders in 2011".

"We're confident we can help in his development and we're sure he will add a lot to our game. Sonny Bill is a humble and down-to-earth guy and I know he has a very professional approach."

CRFU and Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said the former NRL player was completely committed to his quest for an All Black jersey.

Williams walked out midway through a contract with Sydney NRL club Canterbury Bulldogs two years ago to join French rugby club Toulon, where he came under the tutelage of former All Black skipper Tana Umaga.

Williams' provincial rugby career is expected to start on July 30 when Canterbury host Hawkes Bay.

He is preparing for his second professional boxing bout in Brisbane next Wednesday on the undercard of Anthony Mundine's KO to Drugs event.

- NZPA