Sonny Bill Williams spoke about his controversial inclusion in the New Zealand Rugby League World Cup squad, and admitted he felt like s**t for taking Tohu Harris’ place in the squad.
Williams was first ignored from the 24-man squad as he had “other commitments” but within hours he changed his mind and was added to the squad replacing 21-year-old Harris.
SBW said he was sorry for what happened but said he “wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror.”
He said: “I’m sorry for taking someone else’s spot. I actually feel like s**t, to tell you the truth.”
“I’m really sorry about the Tohu situation, it was never my intention. I’ve offered my apologies to him and obviously he is hurting. It’s just a really tough situation and all I can do now is play as hard as I can and help the boys retain the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, the superstar met with the Chiefs‘ coaching staff in Sydney prompting rumours that a return to the Super Rugby champions is imminent.
Along with head coach Dave Rennie and assistant coach Wayne Smith, NZRU’s General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorenson and his ever present agent Khoder Nasser were also at the lunch meeting where all parties were seen signing documents.
SBW is poised to sign a lucrative three-year deal reuniting him with the back-to-back Super Rugby champions from next season.
It would allow Williams a season back in Rugby Union before the All Blacks‘ 2015 World Cup defence and pave the way for an appearance at the Rio Olympics‘ Sevens tournament a year later.
A possibility All Black Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens would be keen to explore.
He said: “Sonny Bill Williams would make the transition to Sevens, there’s no question about that.
“Mainly because he fits the culture that we live. Not only is he a humble guy, but he’s got a great work ethic.
“He works very hard, sets himself challenges and goals and goes out and gets them. He obviously has the work ethic, the skill-set, and is a real athlete. He could obviously be a very, very good player.”
The official announcement about Williams’ playing future is expected in the next two weeks.