Rugby World: Sonny Bill Williams' unwavering faith

The profile of his Instagram account, followed by more than 800,000 people, contrasts with those of the current big stars of world rugby. Sonny Bill Williams does not mention the All Blacks, with whom he has already played 54 games, or the New Zealand franchise of the Blues, in which he evolves. Instead, he chose to put an emoji representing palms turned towards the sky, in reference to the Muslim religion. And on his Twitter account, it is a verse of the Koran that welcomes visitors.

At 34, Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) is one of the icons of the World Cup currently taking place in Japan. This powerful player has already played, and won, the two previous editions of this competition. And the veteran of the All Blacks can dream to achieve a triplet in Japan, his team being a favorite for the final victory. During his career, he alternated between rugby league and XV, including the French club RC Toulon (2008-2010). He has also played several heavyweight boxing professional fights. From the height of 1.91 m, he was able to use his reach to challenge his opponents. He also knew how to use his imposing physique and his technical ability to shine on rugby pitches, performing very spectacular gestures.

His exceptional sporting career was accompanied by a new religious choice among New Zealand rugby players. After converting in 2009, he became the first Muslim player in the All Blacks. The New Zealand Herald newspaper revealed its conversion two years later, explaining that the team's management was now planning halal meals and SBW was attending a mosque in Christchurch. The manager of the All Blacks said at the time that each player was free to have his own religious beliefs, provided that they remain in the private sphere and do not interfere with the operation of the New Zealand team.

The case was presented with the Blues team, when SBW chose, in 2017, to hide a sponsor on the collar of his jersey, that of the Bank of New Zealand. He then said in a statement that he did not accept to wear, for religious belief, advertisements for "banks, liquor companies and gaming companies" . A position accepted by this sponsor and his club, but not by the then Conservative Prime Minister Bill English, who did not understand how it was possible to play in a team without wearing the same jersey. Various personalities had then recalled the escapades of this player during these young years and the juicy contracts then with different companies.

A father of family assagi

These criticisms or controversies never seemed to affect SBW, which has repeatedly reaffirmed its beliefs and convictions. He lives his faith freely and does not hesitate to appear on pilgrimage to Mecca or praying after a match with his teammate Ofa Tu'ungafasi, who arrived in June 2016 at the All Blacks. And the religious choice of these Muslim players logically found another resonance after the massacre perpetrated in March 2019 in Christchurch, where a white supremacist from New Zealand killed 51 people in two mosques.

SBW

For me everything starts with being grateful. Family, sport, life. Alhumdulliah 🤲🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/iFZX6TDu8b

A few minutes to have read about this slaughter, SBW has published a poignant video. Very moved, he had then sent his condolences to the families of the victims and confided his immense sadness, then spoke in the local media during the following days. He hoped that this tragedy could lead the fight against racism and hate speech by calling on people to understand what Islam really means.

And before flying to Japan, SBW visited several wounded of Christchurch, along with other New Zealand players. "We are proud to represent the All Blacks here," SBW said at the side of the victims, hoping that their presence could help them support them in this event.

With experience and years, SBW has donned the costume of a posh and respectful player, becoming one of the best representatives of New Zealand rugby. In 2015, after the All Black World Cup final, he was in the midst of an incredible scene on Twickenham's lawn. Interrupted by a young fan who had crossed the security cordon, he had then protected the boy and brought him back to the stands ... before deciding to offer him his gold medal of world champion.

Now father of three children, Sonny Bill Williams has also resumed his studies, winning last May a degree in sports management. And he himself summed up his journey in a message posted on Twitter: "Yes, a Pacific Islander, boxer, rugby league player, 7 and XV, can graduate! Never leave anyone you catalog Hamdoulilah ".

Yes a Pacific Islander, boxer, league, sevens & rugby player can GRADUATE! Do not ever let anyone pigeon hole you. Alhamdulillah ❤ pic.twitter.com/jjRMsw7uNw