2019 Rugby World Cup: All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams gifts his boots to young fan after bronze medal match win over Wales

Sonny Bill Williams hands young fan his boots. Photo / Spark Sport

Sonny Bill Williams has been hailed as a "classy legend" over a heartwarming post-match gesture to a young fan.

The All Blacks came back from a devastating semifinal defeat to England last weekend to defeat Wales 40-17 in what was Williams' final outing in the black jersey.

Shortly after the game, Williams kicked off his boots on the sideline before approaching the stands packed with adoring fans. Spotting a young Japanese boy in an All Blacks hat holding a New Zealand flag, Williams smiled and passed up his boots to the boy before waving at the crowd.

Sonny Bill Williams celebrates with his daughter. Photo / Getty

A video of Williams' gracious act was posted to the Rugby World Cup Twitter page, where fans praised the 34-year-old's gesture.

"One of the classiest players to ever grace the pitch! Always an amazing watch!" one fan wrote.

"What a guy!!! Huge respect," wrote another.

In 2015, Williams made headlines for similar reasons when he gave his World Cup gold medal away to 14-year-old Charlie Line.

Line was tackled by a security guard as he ran on the pitch during the All Blacks' lap of honour.

Williams hugged the boy and walked him back into the stands where he took off his medal and hung it around Line's neck. Williams later said he felt sorry for the "little fella" and that he wanted to make the night more memorable for him.