London (AFP)
Superstar Sonny Bill Williams refuses for religious reasons to wear the sponsor logo of the Super League of rugby XIII, a betting company, on his shirt, said Bob Hunter, president of his club, the Toronto Wolfpack.
"We are currently in discussions with the Super League on this subject but Sonny has been very clear on his position on this subject," explained the manager during the media day organized by the rugby club.
"I think it would be a good thing for (the sponsor) to take a stand by agreeing to respect and honor the player's religious convictions (...) The sponsor could say + yes, OK, we understand. This is great brand and a famous name, but we understand + ", he continued.
In 2017, while playing in the XV with the Auckland Blues, he was authorized to cover the logo of a New Zealand bank on his jersey.
The contract of the All Black (34 years old), converted to Islam in 2009, contained a "conscience clause" which exempted him from wearing the logo of banks, alcohol producers or gaming companies.
After having started in XIII rugby, "SBW" had passed to XV in 2008, winning two consecutive World Cups in its 58 caps with the All Blacks.
He also made a brief boxing getaway. He is expected to make his debut with the Canadian franchise, promoted to the Super League, on February 2 against Castleford.
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