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Sonny Bill Williams allowed to cover Super Rugby shirt sponsors
By Alex Fisher
Sonny Bill Williams will be allowed to wear a Blues jersey without certain sponsors for this weekend's Super Rugby clash with Hurricanes.
The cross-code star made his first Blues appearance against Highlanders last time out after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon at the Rio Olympics.
Williams came off the bench in the second half in the 26-20 defeat with some sponsors on his shirt covered in tape.
Ahead of the next round of fixtures Williams, who is a practicing Muslim, asked for special dispensation to have the logos of BNZ and Investec removed from his shirt on religious grounds.
"I want to be clear that this is nothing personal against the BNZ or Investec," Williams said in a statement, as quoted by the New Zealand Herald.
"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."
New Zealand Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen confirmed the request had been accepted as it was a "conscientious objection".
He said: "Sonny holds clear religious beliefs in relation to this matter and we respect those. Conscientious objections need to be genuine, and we believe this is."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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