Sonny Bill confirms move to Japan

The worst kept secret in New Zealand sport was today confirmed, with Sonny Bill Williams announcing he is set for a stint in Japan - but his future beyond that is still unknown.

Williams was joined by Chiefs coaches Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith and All Blacks assistant Ian Foster in Hamilton, where he finally put an end to the saga surrounding his signature.

Off contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union at the end of the season, Williams has signed a lucrative deal with Japanese rugby side Panasonic but currently has no deal in place for 2013.

One thing is for certain - he will not be playing rugby in New Zealand. The former Canterbury Bulldogs second rower has long been rumoured to be returning to the NRL with cross-town rivals Sydney City, with a view to switching back to rugby in 2014.

But that is still up in the air following today's press conference. First he is set for a lucrative stint with Japanese side Panasonic, in which he will reportedly play 10 matches and be paid $800,000.

Following the spell in the Far East, Williams is likely to switch back to the code from which he made a stunning departure in 2008. Williams walked out on the Bulldogs mid-season to play rugby union with French club Toulon, a move which saw him voted as Australia's most hated person - ahead of even the Bali bomber.

Williams said in a press conference today that the decision to leave rugby for league again was made on a handshake deal that he's not going to turn back on.

"It goes back to pretty much not breaking something that I've told someone that I'd do. I'm not going to hold my breath because there's some great players here. Those players coming through deserve all they get.

"I've chosen my path and now I've gotta walk it," he said.

Williams said he would like to return to New Zealand and play again for the All Blacks but isn't confident he would win his spot back.

"It's tough because I'm really loving what I am doing at the moment.

"If things work I'd like to one day come back (to play for All Blacks) ... but I'm not going to hold my breath because there are good players coming up.

"In a perfect world, yes (I would want to stay here) but it is a pretty difficult situation and I just have to make the most of it."

Chiefs assistant coach Wayne Smith today said Williams has proven himself during his rugby stint in New Zealand.

"You've earned everything that you've done this year in rugby and I think you're a bloody good person and you've certainly proved yourself to me," he said.

"From a coaching point of view I've seen Sonny Bill develop in the last few years ... I think the sport and the teams are going to be very lucky."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie also had praise for the second-five.

"People are going to be questioning his loyalty to be heading away... Really it's commitment that is taking him away from here. He made an agreement on a handshake and he's following through on that," Rennie said.

"He should be applauded for that rather than put down for it."

In 2010, Williams signed with the NZRU in a bid to play for the All Blacks at the following year's Rugby World Cup. The second five-eighth made his ITM Cup debut for Canterbury later that year and was selected on the All Blacks end of season tour, becoming only the second person to represent New Zealand in union after first doing so in league.

The next season, Williams played Super Rugby for the Crusaders and was selected in the All Blacks' World Cup squad but was mainly relegated to the substitutes' bench for the team's successful campaign.

2012 brought the best rugby Williams has played, with his form at the Super 15-leading Chiefs seeing him play every minute of the All Blacks' June series against Ireland.

Many thought Williams was starting to achieve his potential in the code, finally shaking the convert tag, but that work will probably now be undone.

During his time playing rugby, Williams has also boxed five times, winning all five of his heavyweight bouts to hold the title of New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight champion.

His agreement with Panasonic means is allowed to have a fight in the season but he said he hasn't really thought about retaining his belt.

Williams was sure of one thing. If he did return to rugby in New Zealand it would be for his current side.

"If I came back to New Zealand I would definitely be a Chief, even if there is no money. I'd do it for free."

- APNZ/HERALD ONLINE