New Zealander · Sonning Common, England · Born 1 August 1985New Zealand rugby league and rugby union player who became one of the few athletes to win World Cups in both codes, plus Olympic gold in rugby sevens
Born in Auckland on 1 August 1985, Sonny Bill Williams emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most versatile athletes in modern rugby. Raised in a Samoan-New Zealand family, he displayed exceptional sporting talent from an early age, eventually signing with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL as a teenager. Williams burst onto the professional scene in 2004, helping the Bulldogs claim the NRL Premiership in his debut season. His combination of size, speed, and ball-handling skills revolutionized the second-row position. After establishing himself as one of rugby league's premier forwards, he made a controversial mid-contract departure to French rugby union in 2008, joining Toulon before moving to the Canterbury Crusaders. His transition to rugby union proved seamless, with Williams earning All Blacks selection and becoming instrumental in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup victories. Between rugby commitments, he pursued professional boxing, winning the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight title. Williams later returned to rugby league with the Sydney Roosters, capturing another NRL Premiership in 2013, before alternating between codes throughout his career. Williams' achievements span multiple disciplines: two Rugby World Cup medals, two NRL Premierships, Super League success with Toronto Wolfpack, and an undefeated professional boxing record. His ability to excel at the highest level across rugby league, rugby union, and boxing remains unprecedented in modern sport. Beyond statistics, Williams transformed how athletes approach multi-code careers, proving elite-level success across different sports was possible. His legacy extends beyond individual accolades. Williams redefined athletic versatility in the professional era, inspiring a generation of players to pursue opportunities across codes. His career trajectory from troubled youth to global sporting icon, combined with his charitable work and advocacy, established him as one of New Zealand's most influential sporting figures.
Being a dual-code rugby international who won World Cups in both league and union
How They Played
Powerful ball-running second-rower/centre with exceptional offloading skills and athleticism
Lasting Impact
Pioneered successful transitions between rugby codes and boxing, inspiring athlete crossover careers
Career Honours
- NRL Premiership 2004 (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- NRL Premiership 2005 (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Rugby League World Cup 2008 (New Zealand)
- Super Rugby title 2011 (Canterbury Crusaders)
- Rugby World Cup 2011 (New Zealand All Blacks)
- Rugby World Cup 2015 (New Zealand All Blacks)
- ITM Cup 2012 (Canterbury)
- Super Rugby title 2012 (Canterbury Crusaders)
- Olympic silver medal 2016 (New Zealand Sevens, Rio Olympics)
- NRL Premiership 2013 (Sydney Roosters)
- Dally M Medal 2014 (NRL Player of the Year)
- Rugby League World Cup 2017 (New Zealand, runner-up finalist)
- WBO cruiserweight boxing title 2009
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canterbury Bulldogs | 2004–2008 | 109 | 27 | #1 |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs | 2013–2014 | 256 | 27 | #1 |
 New Zealand | — | 12 | — | — |
New Zealander Athletes