Sonny Bill Williams’ little sister, Niall, ready to make a name for herself with New Zealand women

“She won’t bring the dynamic of what we have seen from Sonny Bill straight away, but she definitely has that potential," says New Zealand coach Sean Horan, whose team are trying to defend their title in Dubai, writes Paul Radley.

New Zealand coach Sean Horan said Niall Williams ‘has potential’ to play like her famous older brother Sonny Bill. Simon Watts / Getty Images

DUBAI // Despite having to cope with the deflected attention from her famous older brother, Niall Williams could become a star in her own right at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

That is the view of Sean Horan, the New Zealand sevens coach, who says the newest recruit to his side has the skills and character to cope with any extra pressure her name brings with.

Her sibling, Sonny Bill, will be a high-profile guest at the tournament this weekend. The World Cup-winning All Black wants a place in the sevens side when they debut at the Olympics next summer, and he is here to watch the start of the world series.

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Niall will be in playing action, though, as she has been handed a debut in the New Zealand team who are trying to defend their women’s title in Dubai.

“She is a young, talented athlete – it is in her genes,” said Horan, whose side won a thrilling final against Australia 12 months ago.

“She has been in the New Zealand touch set-up for quite a while. She is a young mum, also, and it is probably a good time of her life for her to focus on what she wants to focus on.

“She won’t bring the dynamic of what we have seen from Sonny Bill straight away, but she definitely has that potential.

“We have removed as many barriers as possible and have tried to give her as much confidence as possible.

“She can pull the black jersey on, have a feel of what it feels like, then go out and play.”

Horan said Sonny Bill will be supporting his sister in as low-key fashion as possible.

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The man himself boarded the same flight as Quade Cooper, the Australia fly-half who was en route to a new club career in France, to Dubai on Tuesday.

“I am very excited about attending the Dubai Rugby Sevens,” he was quoted as saying.

“While I won’t have the opportunity to play in this opening round, I am thrilled about my involvement in the Sevens and being part of one of the biggest tournaments in the series in Dubai.”

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