NZ Rugby gives Sonny Bill Williams a boost for a charity boxing event after the injury

Sonny Bill Williams will be in the boxing ring in Sydney on Saturday night, just three weeks after being banned from the All Blacks tour.

And the long-time All Blacks midfielder is doing it with New Zealand Rugby's blessing after his employers allowed him, first, to fight early in his season break and then , to continue after the shoulder injury that he had in the test against England at Twickenham on November 10th.

Williams left the field after just half an hour of 16-15 win over England with a grade 1 injury at the AC joint, who then ruled out the last two tries of the tour, against Ireland in Dublin and Italy. in Rome.

Wrist, knee and shoulder injuries this season have reduced Williams to a moderate role for the Blues and All Blacks. He has made only six appearances for the troubled Super Rugby franchise in 2018 and has participated in only five tests this year.

READ MORE: SBW injury continues

Critics wondered if he could retain his form and fitness for another year to make a place for himself in the All Blacks midfielder with a hat-trick for the World Cup crowns. Japan.

But Williams seems to have quickly dismissed the last setback to take his place in the boxing event in Sydney, nicknamed the "Banger in the Hanger", against the Australian reality TV personality and millionaire baron Stu Laundy on Saturday night.

"We have been aware for some time of Sonny's involvement in this charity event and we remain comfortable with his participation," said Chris Lendrum, NZR professional rugby manager. Things.

Although the fight may be interpreted as a bad look coming so soon after his injury ended prematurely on his All Blacks tour, the reality is that Williams' return to the ring after an almost four-year absence will be little more than a shock. carousel show on behalf of some charities.

"We are looking forward to coming back to the ring this Saturday for such a good cause," Williams said on his Instagram account before leaving Auckland. "We are teaming with Auckland City Mission, the Bill Crews Charity Trust and the Exodus Foundation to fight homelessness in New Zealand and Australia."

The opponent of Williams, 45 bachelorette Laundy star, has no history of fighting other than taking fitness boxing classes.

"I have the impression that it is bigger than boxing, which we are trying to do," said Williams at a press conference at the time of the event. announcement of the charity match.

Williams had seven professional fights, winning three by knockout. But he has not fought since January 2015 and has withstood the frequent openings of strong man of the Australian rugby league, Paul Gallen, to enter the ring with him.

At the press conference, Williams joked that his bosses of the All Blacks had no problem with him to fight.

"Once I told them I was fighting Stu, they were all good," he said with a smile.