Chiefs fans elated after Sonny Bill signs up

Chiefs fans are today celebrating that All Blacks utility back Sonny Bill Williams has signed a one-year contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and will play for the franchise in next year's Super 15 tournament.

The move means locals should be able to see him play at Baypark.

The 26-year-old rugby league convert left New Zealand yesterday to holiday in Panama.

The union had given Williams until last night to decide whether he would renew his contract, which expired at the end of the World Cup.

Williams tweeted yesterday that "Hamilton looks nice" in a reference to the Chiefs' North Island base.

Fans took to the Chiefs Facebook page with comments such as "sweet!!!" and "mean as!" and "awesome work!" being posted.

Williams played in midfield and on the wing for the All Blacks during the World Cup, and his versatility earned him a place on the bench for the final against France.

"We're delighted that Sonny has chosen to continue playing his rugby in New Zealand next year," union general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorenson said.

Williams was a star player in Australia's National Rugby League before quitting in 2008 to play rugby for the French club, Toulon.

He remained in France until signing to play in New Zealand in 2010, joining the Crusaders.

In deciding yesterday to re-sign with New Zealand, Williams turned down potentially more lucrative offers from French rugby clubs and Australian rugby league teams.

The deal allows him to continue to develop his career as a professional boxer.