Carter a drawcard for Sonny Bill Williams

GEOFF LONGLEY
May 27, 2010 - 5:49PM

The lure of playing outside All Black Dan Carter for the Crusaders next season could be a factor in bringing blockbusting midfield back Sonny Bill Williams to the region for the Super 15.

Williams' agent Khoder Nasser met with Canterbury Rugby Football Union representatives for several hours in Christchurch yesterday before returning to Australia.

After the meeting he was giving little away but noted the appeal for Williams of playing alongside Carter who he described as "the conductor" of the All Blacks and Crusaders.

Nasser said he was impressed with the Crusaders franchise on his flying visit and noted their reputation for turning out quality players.

"This is a great rugby franchise. You don't have a winning record of 83 per cent since 2004 for nothing. I have been impressed by their reputation and professionalism."

Nasser has also been talking to other Super rugby franchises on his whistlestop visit with interest being shown by the Blues and Chiefs.

Nasser turned philosopher yesterday when asked about the time frame for any decision.

"Good things take time. We have to look at his development as a player and find the perfect environment for him."

The New Zealand-raised Williams is reportedly interesting in playing in this country with aspirations of appearing for the All Blacks at the World Cup next season. He has already been offered a contract by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Nasser will doubtless be contacting his client who has just completed a contract at French club Toulon after an abrupt mid-season departure from the Canterbury Bulldogs in the Australian NRL in 2008.

Nasser said numerous factors had to be considered before Williams made a decision firstly to play the game in New Zealand and then for whom.

He did not discount the influence of former All Black Tana Umaga, who is also at Toulon, on Williams' decision-making.

It has already been suggested that if Williams goes ahead he will make his first stop with Counties where Umaga is lining up to play in the national provincial championship which begins in July. That also put him in the mix for the nearby Blues and Chiefs franchises who doubtless would be keen to have him on their books, if he performs for Counties.

The success of the Crusaders franchise will also carry considerable weight as will developing his midfield play further alongside Carter to enhance his All Blacks ambitions.

Two of the Crusaders midfield backs, Tim Bateman (Japan) and Daniel Bowden (England) have overseas contracts, leaving gaps to fill.

The Press