All Blacks back Williams' bid for Cup glory

Sonny Bill Williams turned down a $6 million offer. Photo / Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams - coming to a rugby province near you. But which one?

That decision should be known soon as Williams revealed last night he was moving from his Toulon club in France to play in the ITM competition in New Zealand.

Reports that Williams would make the switch drew wide acclaim from the All Blacks, including Conrad Smith who would be challenged by the recruit for his midfield role.

"If he is going to be a good rugby player I desperately want that to be in New Zealand," Smith said.

"I don't want him to become a great player elsewhere."

Williams' decision to sign on in New Zealand was a coup for the behind-the-scenes work from former All Black captain Tana Umaga and the package presented by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

It is understood Williams turned his back on a guaranteed $6 million offer from Toulon for an incentive-based deal in New Zealand.

North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Canterbury were all angling hard for Williams' provincial signature.

Three months ago, those close to the wrangling believed there was little chance Williams would move from Toulon. He was offered an enormous deal to stay, he had revelled in his two-year stint and was starting to play strongly for the club.

The incentive of playing for much less money in New Zealand but shooting for an All Black jersey apparently did not cut it with Williams' manager Khoder Nasser.

However, a concerted NZRU sales pitch and hints that Williams' development would stall without Umaga's influence helped clinched the deal.

Smith acknowledged that expectations on Williams would be high and that was something he would need to deal with.

"I find it funny when people say 'you wouldn't want him coming' but I'd love the guy to come. If it means him helping out the All Black cause then I'd love to have him involved," Smith added.

He was looking forward to measuring his talents against someone like Williams.

Whether Smith continued to be involved or not with the All Blacks, he wanted them to have the best players in their extended quest to claim another World Cup.

He had spoken to his old Hurricanes colleague Paul Tito, who had been impressed by the Toulon midfielder's skills.

"From what I have seen of him in league, I think he is probably more suited to centre," Smith said.

It was not easy to switch codes but Brad Thorn and Lote Tuqiri had managed and it was probably easier to swap as a back rather than a forward.

Thorn played against Williams during his last stint in the NRL and was impressed with his ability.

"He's an amazing athlete. He's probably an inch shorter than I am and he has footwork, he's super-powerful and just a natural footballer.

"I think he would go really well."