WELLINGTON // Dual rugby international Sonny Bill Williams was omitted from the New Zealand squad named Tuesday to defend the upcoming Rugby League World Cup after telling selectors he had “other commitments”.
Williams’ snub will intensify speculation he is poised to return to rugby union after winning the National Rugby League grand final with the Sydney Roosters at the weekend.
The code-hopping 28-year-old has been coy about his intentions since the victory over the Manly Sea Eagles, with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Super Rugby champions the Waikato Chiefs keen to regain his services.
His absence from the Kiwis’ squad for the World Cup in England and Wales from October 26 to November 30 is a major blow to New Zealand’s chances of defending the title they won in 2008.
The official team sheet released by the New Zealand Rugby League said only that Williams had not been considered due to “other commitments” and coach Stephen Kearney refused to elaborate on the player’s plans.
“I’m sure we’d all like to know what they are, but we’ll hear about that in the next two or three weeks,” Kearney told reporters.
“There would be no point asking me what his other commitments are because I don’t know.”
Williams himself was giving nothing away, tweeting: “Wishing the Kiwis all the best in their title defence. Having my first break since 2008, looking forward to spending time with fam n friends.”
Williams’ lucrative sideline as a journeyman boxer further clouds his future, with New Zealand media reporting he is considering a bout against 47-year-old Australian Bob Mirovic in February before the rugby season begins.
The player began his career in league, winning an NRL title with the Canterbury Bulldogs before quitting to play rugby union in 2008.
He forced his way into the All Blacks, playing a part in their 2011 World Cup victory, and claimed the Super Rugby title last year with the Chiefs.
A move back to the 15-man code would potentially put him in the frame for the All Blacks’ 2015 World Cup defence and a spot in the New Zealand sevens team at the 2016 Olympics.
Four of Williams’ team-mates from the weekend’s grand final were included in the Kiwis’ 24-man squad -- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Moa, Frank-Paul Nu’uausala and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Another Rooster, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, was left out after breaking his jaw in the game, while Kieran Foran was the sole representative from beaten finalists Manly.
Captain Simon Mannering is one of seven survivors from the 2008 World Cup-winning squad, alongside Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Jason Nightingale, Krisnan Inu and Greg Eastwood.
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
Sector: Clothes rental subscription
Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
MATCH INFO
Newcastle United 1 (Carroll 82')
Leicester City 2 (Maddison 55', Tielemans 72')
Man of the match James Maddison (Leicester)
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