Rio Olympics 2016: Sonny Bill Williams named in New Zealand Sevens squad

HE has NRL titles, Super Rugby titles, boxing belts and a Rugby World Cup. Now Sonny Bill Williams wants an Olympic gold medal to complete the set.

New Zealand All Blacks Training Session

HE has NRL titles, Super Rugby titles, boxing belts and a Rugby World Cup. Now Sonny Bill Williams wants an Olympic gold medal to complete the set.

As predicted, Williams has been confirmed a member of the New Zealand sevens squad for 2015-16, which will see him in the running for a spot at the Rio Olympics next August.

All Blacks flanker Liam Messam and Hurricanes rising star Ardie Savea were also named in the Kiwis’ sevens squad.

Unlike Australian sevens recruit Henry Speight, who will play both Super Rugby and sevens, Williams, Messam and Savea are set to miss the entire 2016 Super Rugby season and play in each of the world series sevens tournaments.

The star All Blacks will only serve to strengthen New Zealand’s favouritism for rugby’s first ever Olympic sevens gold medal.

They have won 12 of the 15 world series crowns.

NZ coach Tietjens has backed SBW to shine in Rio

New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens said he expected Williams to adapt well to the frantic pace of sevens.

“Sonny Bill Williams is a great athlete and has shown he can adapt very easily to the demands of rugby. I see him adjusting very well to the fast pace of sevens. He’ll be a great attacking weapon with his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload,” Tietjens said.

“We’re really pleased he’s committed to the full season. He knows competition for places will be intense so he’s giving himself the best chance of making the team for Rio.

“We know what Liam (Messam) can do and he will certainly give us some new options upfront. He’s a hugely experienced sevens player having won two Commonwealth Games gold medals and been part of Sevens World Series winning New Zealand teams.”

Australia’s mixed-duties path is being employed by the Kiwis for some players, however. Other Super Rugby and All Black players are also set to be added for the Wellington and Sydney tournaments in January/February, before returning to their franchises until round 10. They’ll then join back with the sevens squad for the last few tournaments and potentially Rio.

Originally published as Rio Olympics 2016: Sonny Bill Williams named in New Zealand Sevens squad