The Sonny Bill Williams signing saga took a new turn yesterday, with the All Black midfielder deciding not to sign an extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union before the World Cup.
Williams had earlier pledged to have his immediate future cleared up after the Super 15, with his 2012allegiance lying either with the Blues or Chiefs.
Since then a number of things have changed for the Williams camp, most notably a sponsorship stand-off that has seen the NZRU refuse to allow him to endorse Pure Energy, a drinks rival to commercial partner Coca-Cola.
On the field, his star has faded slightly after a strong end-of-season tour and some brilliant early form in the Super 15. The talented second five-eighth sits a clear second behind a rejuvenated Ma'a Nonu in the All Blacks pecking order, much to the disgust of his closest confidantes, particularly boxer and prolific tweeter Anthony Mundine.
The reasons for Williams' change of heart remained vague, although he emphasised that it had nothing to do with him not making the match-day 22 in the Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane on Saturday.
"A man's entitled to change his mind from time to time," he said.
"I don't think I'll be making a decision until after the World Cup. People have been pushing me to make a decision, but for me it's about doing what's best for myself and my family.
"I'll just be concentrating now on the World Cup and trying to get a spot."
Williams said he had spoken to Blues coach Pat Lam and Chiefs assistant Wayne Smith and didn't rule out staying in New Zealand rugby.
"At this stage it's all about the World Cup and I don't want anything taking away from that," he said.
Williams' decision has put the squeeze on the Blues and Chiefs, who must submit their 28-man squads to the NZRU by October 28, five days after a World Cup final that the former Bulldog hopes he will be a part of.
