Sonny Bill Williams was heading present jerseys to Bulldogs rookies when terror attack news broke

Sonny Bill Williams was on his way to a special reunion with his old NRL team Canterbury when he heard news of the tragic shooting in Christchurch.

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Sonny Bill Williams was in his car on the way to present jerseys to the Canterbury Bulldogs players in Auckland when news broke of the Christchurch atrocity.

He was too distraught to continue.

SBW posted an online video message from his car then returned home. The Bulldogs understood.

“It was such a tragic and emotional event and everyone understood the need for Sonny to be with his family,” said Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill.

Flowers with messages for the victims of the mosque attacks. Picture: AFP

He says the entire playing group was hurting.

“Our players are no different to anyone else,” Hill said.

“It’s extremely sad and we’re all horrified.

“The club’s thoughts are with the people of Christchurch.

“We have a few players of New Zealand heritage who are feeling it most. We’re just supporting each other.”

Sonny Bill was the first Muslim player to represent the All Blacks.

“I’m just deeply saddened, saddened that this would happen in New Zealand,” he said in his video message.

“I just heard the news and I couldn’t put into words how I’m feeling right now.”

Originally published as Sonny Bill Williams was heading present jerseys to Bulldogs rookies when terror attack news broke