Sonny Bill Williams becomes pro-chancellor of Malaysian university

A global sports star known for his deep faith and “passion for social equity” has made a surprising career change.

Star multi-code athlete Sonny Bill Williams has been appointed to a job in academia.

Williams, 39, was inaugurated as a pro-chancellor of Malaysian Islamic institute Albukhary International University this week.

The NRL, Super Rugby, All Blacks and boxing force converted to Islam in 2009.

“Sonny Bill Williams, a global sports icon and passionate advocate for social equity, has built an extraordinary career and earned a stellar reputation on the global stage,” the university said.

“From his humble beginnings in inner-city Auckland to iconic triumphs at Twickenham, Eden Park, and Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, Sonny Bill’s athletic journey is nothing short of remarkable.”

Sonny Bill Williams and former Socceroo Craig Foster campaigned in 2020 for the Australian government to accept New Zealand’s offer to resettle refugees stuck on PNG and Nauru in Aotearoa. Picture: NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Williams earnt a Bachelor of Applied Management (Sport Management) in 2018 alongside some of his Auckland Blues teammates.

The former NRL star and boxer began his role on November 1 but was inaugurated in a ceremony on Tuesday. The posting is for two years.

“For someone who dropped out of school at 14 and was given a chance to change my life through sports, this appointment is a proud privilege to be part of a university that does the same through education,” Williams posted on social media.

“Along with changing my families situation, I was also able to attain a university degree.”

The university said Williams was renowned for his dedication to humanitarian causes, cultural integration and youth empowerment alongside sporting prowess.

The mosque at Albukhary International University. Picture: Google

“He carries with him positive values and a wealth of leadership, discipline and community enrichment shaped by strength, humility, and integrity,” it said.

The pro-chancellor role will guide graduates to being “well-rounded, globally competitive and socially responsible”.

The university runs degrees in business and social and human sciences, education and computing. The campus sits in the north of the country, near the Thai border, and 400km away from the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Williams converted to Islam in 2009 while playing in France, becoming the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks. He is a dual Kiwi and Samoan citizen and comfortably speaks to the media in English, Samoan and Arabic.

Sonny Bill Williams and wife Alana Raffie had their fifth child this year. Picture: Instagram

He retired from rugby league and union in 2021 to resume his professional boxing career.

“Look, I chased girls, I drank alcohol, spent lavishly and thought I was someone that I wasn’t. I lived that life and, in my experience, what did it give me?” he told Radio New Zealand in 2019.

“Hollowness and emptiness in my heart.

“In today’s society it is no secret that a lot of us Muslims have been forced to almost be embarrassed to be Muslim.

“For me, I am so proud to be a Muslim – the honesty that it has, what it stands for and what it can give. When I see other sportsmen who are out there and proud, wow it is such a beautiful thing.”

He and wife Alana Raffie had their fifth child in July.

Originally published as Sonny Bill Williams becomes pro-chancellor of Malaysian university