SKY Sport are defending their decision to use disgraced former All Black lock Ali Williams in their coverage of the Blues' game against the Jaguares last night.
Williams' name was tarnished when he was caught by police trying to buy cocaine last year while playing for French club Racing 92.
In April last year, he was cut from the French club and was fined $2300 in a Paris court after he was convicted of buying the class A drug.
Following his axing from Racing 92, the 77-test All Black and 2011 World Cup champion and his family returned to New Zealand.
SKY Sports Director of Sport, Richard Last, said that Williams had paid his dues and they were willing to give him a chance to make up for it.
"Ali Williams made a serious mistake and he paid serious consequences for it. He has expressed regret for his actions and is now trying to move on with his life.
"We were open to giving him a chance to work with us, given his depth of rugby knowledge and his passion for the game, and he had a guest role on the Blues game on Saturday night," he said.
Ali Williams is lifted in the lineout during the Invesco Perpetual rugby match between Wales and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
"SKY is always interested in our customers' views on our shows, and we will be listening for feedback on this matter along with all aspects of our sport coverage this and every weekend," Last said.
