Sonny Bill Williams Could Make Union Return This Weekend

Sonny Bill Williams could make his return to New Zealand rugby as early as this weekend with provincial team Counties Manukau.

The 29-year-old finished his second spell in Australia’s National Rugby League on Friday when the Sydney Roosters lost in the semi-finals.

Williams has previously said he wants to get back into the All Blacks set-up, with the World Cup coming up next year.

And he is now expected to play for Counties in the National Provincial Championship match against Southland in Invercargill on Saturday.

Counties coach and former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga admitted he was waiting by the phone.

“As has always been the case, it is just a wait and see and wait until we are contacted,” he told Fairfax Media.

“Knowing Sonny and the man he is, he would want to do it the right way. He likes to gain the respect of people, I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a call at some stage to say he might be coming over, well, I am hoping.”

Williams has signed a two-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Waikato Chiefs from 2015, but the NZRU are keen to get him back in a black jersey as soon as possible.

Last month they approved an exemption under their eligibility rules to allow him to be selected for the All Blacks’ season-ending tour to the United States and the UK.