Sonny Bill Williams 'all for' having Plunket close to his chest

The medical tape on Sonny Bill Williams' collar will be replaced with the Plunket logo for the remainder of the Super Rugby season. Photo/Getty Images

Sonny Bill Williams divided rugby opinion over his collar-gate actions last weekend - but his new-look and unique jersey definitely has the dedicated husband and father's tick of approval.

Williams made headlines during the week following a 'conscientious objection' to wearing the BNZ and Investec logos on his collar, for religious reasons - his Muslim beliefs don't support banks, alcohol brands and gambling sponsors.

All eyes will be on the All Blacks midfielder, at tonight's kick-off against the Hurricanes at Eden Park, where he is expected to debut his unique uniform, which will bear a Plunket logo instead of the BNZ insignia he taped over last week.

Plunket is a core partner supported by BNZ, who suggested the community organisation fill the space on the collar of Williams playing jersey.

Williams' manager Khoder Nasser told the Herald on Sunday the player was "all for" supporting Plunket and the children and families the charity works with.

The 31-year-old has two daughters, Imaan and Aisha, with his wife Alana.

BNZ chief executive Anthony Healy said on Thursday "We are delighted that Sonny Bill has agreed to give the space, previously allocated to BNZ, to another of our core sponsorships, Plunket, who provide a vital support service for children and new parents".

Plunket chief executive Amanda Malu described Williams' decision a "real honour".

"We're thrilled such a high-profile Kiwi dad and role model is getting behind Plunket

"A lot of families will be watching this season and we're proud to be there supporting Sonny Bill as a dedicated father and role model for Kiwi kids.

"Sonny Bill is helping Plunket remind parents that our services are here to support mums, as well as dads."

Malu said gestures like this make all the difference for Plunket, which relies on community support to continue its work.

Williams addressed his impromptu modifications to the Blues jersey mid-week, stating that the exemption he had now gained from wearing gear branded with BNZ's logo - and that of Super Rugby sponsor Investec - was important to his religious beliefs.

"I want to be clear that this is nothing personal against the BNZ or Investec," he said. "My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption.

"As I learn more and develop a deeper understanding of my faith, I am no longer comfortable doing things I used to do. So while a logo on a jersey might seem like a small thing to some people, it is important to me that I do the right thing with regards to my faith and hope that people respect that.

"I know I'm not perfect. Every day I work hard to become a better person. I want to thank the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for working with me through this matter over the last couple of days and respecting my religion and accommodating my request."

Williams' decision has had the full support of his team.

Williams will make his first start of the season at second-five in the only change from the side that lost in Dunedin. Rieko Ioane will start alongside the code-swapping star at centre, which sends All Black George Moala back to the bench.