The New Zealand Rugby Union have confirmed they have made a formal offer to sign Sonny Bill Williams, the rugby league convert, to a contract. Steve Tew, the union chief executive, said they would meet the player's representatives this week to discuss the contract, and if initial talks went well then Williams would take a look at what was on the table. Williams, who walked out of his Australian rugby league club in 2008 to play rugby union in France, has until the end of June to sign with New Zealand if he is to be considered for the All Blacks' end-of-year northern hemisphere tour. Since his contract with Toulon, his French club, recently expired he has reportedly received offers from clubs in France, Britain, Japan and Australia as well as New Zealand. Neil Sorensen, the NZRU's professional rugby general manager, said the offer to Williams was appropriate for his potential and did not involve "ridiculous money".
* Reuters
