All Blacks lock Ali Williams has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union, a move that will see him transfer from Auckland to Tasman in order to play Super 14 rugby for the Crusaders.
The World Cup-bound lock confirmed his widely predicted shift to the Crusaders franchise areathough it is highly likely he will be loaned back to Auckland for the 2008 Air NZ Cup.
Williams, who considered overseas offers, has committed to the NZRU until the end of 2009 - a welcome outcome considering the number of All Blacks heading offshore after the World Cup.
The 42-test All Black's move to Tasman had been expected, given he was unwilling to play under Blues coach David Nucifora after the pair fell out during this year's Super 14 campaign.
Their relationship deteriorated when Williams was sent home from South Africa on disciplinary grounds before the Blues' semifinal exit in Durban.
Williams, who shapes as a ready made replacement for England-bound All Blacks teammate Chris Jack at the Crusaders, may not turn out for Tasman though he said he was keeping his options open.
"It's not something I'm really thinking about to be honest, we'll sort that out down the track," Williams said.
Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Lee Germon admitted Williams was transferred to the province in order to be available for the Crusaders.
"One of our priorities is to support the Crusaders in any meaningful way we can."
Jack's transfer from Canterbury last year to free up money under the salary cap was another example of that, while former All Blacks wing Rico Gear also moved to what was then Nelson Bays to be available for the Crusaders.
Although he was also aligned with Tasman, the Christchurch-based Gear left the union this season to see out his domestic career with Canterbury before he also moved to England at the end of the Air NZ Cup.
