SBW to hang up the boots and pull on the gloves

March 10, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Rugby appears to have seen the last of the mercurial talents of Sonny Bill Williams.

The 35 year-old, two-time World Cup winning All Black switched codes from rugby union to league in 2020 when he turned out for the Sydney Roosters. He was contracted to the Toronto Wolfpack for 2021 but the deal fell through after the team was denied readmission to the England-based Super League.

However, he has now admitted that he does not feel that his body can stand up to the vigorous nature of rugby league and will instead turn his attention to the boxing ring once more.

Sonny Bill Williams has officially retired from both rugby union and league 🙌

His union stats 📊

5⃣8⃣ Tests 🇳🇿
4⃣2⃣ Starts 👌
1⃣3⃣ Tries 🏉
1⃣x Mitre 10 Cup 🏆
1⃣x Super Rugby Title 🏆
1⃣x Ranfurly Shield 🏆
4⃣x Rugby Championship 🏆
6⃣x Bledisloe Cups 🏆
2⃣x RWC Titles 🏆 pic.twitter.com/G8b4aEEmOq
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) March 10, 2021

"I spoke to my manager, I said: 'I'm keen to get back into the ring, I've got a couple of years, I'm 35'," Williams told the Nine Network.

"I spoke to the wife first and she had blank eyes, but like usual she supported me.

"I want to know how I will go in six months instead of six weeks."

The new journey begins ❤️✊🏽🥊 pic.twitter.com/fo63TlIWd5
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 4, 2021

To date, Williams has fought in seven professional bouts, the last one ending in victory against Chauncy Welliver in 2015.

"I was humble enough to understand my knee couldn't meet the demands, although the mind wanted to, of the week in and week out footy, especially in the NRL," Williams said.