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Collins waiting for Williams

Wednesday 30th July 2008

Sonny Bill Williams: Expected in Toulon any day now

Rugby League 'refugee' Sonny Bill Williams is apparently hiding out in London while he waits for an immigration problem to clear up before joining Toulon, and Jerry Collins is awaiting his arrival with interest.

Williams walked out on Australian rugby League side the Bulldogs last week, with rumours rife of his signature on a three-year contract at Toulon.

He apparently landed in London en route to France, but was unable to make the final stage of the journey because he was travelling on his Samoan passport instead of his New Zealand one.

Williams and Collins would supposedly form two of an all-star back-row trio at the newly-promoted French club, which is rapidly becoming almost spoilt with the number of big names joining the player roster.

"If you go through the years, most teams have got superstars in there but I guess the most important thing for us is to make him feel at home and settle him in as quickly as possible so he gets into the swing of things," Collins said to the NZPA.

"We're very glad to have him."

Williams will also have to cross the rubicon in terms of moving from League to Union, as well as travelling from south to north.

"When you're as gifted as that, you've got no problem doing anything," Collins said.

"Another addition to our team is good for us and at the moment, that's all that matters - what's best for the city and what's best for the team.

"It's a good place, we've got a good environment, we've got a good coach and a good set-up," Collins said.

"If you're somebody coming over to play rugby, I'd pretty much recommend you come here.

"The downside is, you've got to play well but we're not here to come second, we're here to come first."

Collins also said the team was unperturbed by the controversy surrounding Williams and the imminent arrival of one of world rugby's most high-profile names.

"Most of the guys just go about their daily business," he said.

"It's just like anything, any major signing you get, it lasts for a couple of days and then he's got to work just like the rest of us."