Rugby League World Cup
- Dates: 26 October to 30 November
Coverage: Live BBC TV, radio and online coverage of all England’s group matches and Wales v Italy, plus one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final
Sonny Bill Williams has made himself available for New Zealand’s defence of the Rugby League World Cup after initially telling selectors he had “other commitments”.
The 28-year-old was not in the Kiwis 24-man squad which was named on Monday.
But coach Stephen Kearney has confirmed that he has since expressed his desire to help them retain their trophy.
“We are now exploring options around Sonny’s possible inclusion in the tournament,” said Kearney.
“This would require ratification by the World Cup organisers. Our thinking had always been that, if Sonny was available, he would be part of the team.”
The maximum number of players in a World Cup squad is 24, so if Williams were to be included another squad member would have to drop out.
The 28-year-old, who helped the Sydney Roosters win
has been tipped for a return to rugby union.
Williams started his career in league, winning an NRL title with the Canterbury Bulldogs before quitting to play rugby union in 2008 and helping the All Blacks win the 2011 World Cup.
Having returned to the 13-man code, he has yet to win with the Kiwis, losing six and drawing one of his seven Tests so far.
New Zealand will play the Cook Islands in a warm-up match at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday, 20 October.
They then face group games against Samoa (27 October), France (1 November) and Papua New Guinea (8 November).
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23250167
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