All Blacks: High school drop out Sonny Bill Williams makes another shock career switch
Former All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams.
Legendary All Blacks centre and two-time Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams has been appointed to a senior academic position at a Malaysian university.
Williams’ time as a sportsman took several twists and turns as he enjoyed successful stints in rugby union and rugby league while he also had 10 professional fights as a boxer and was the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association’s heavyweight champion.
Surprise career move
However, his latest career move will come as a surprise to his fans as the 39-year-old has been named as the Albukhary International University’s (AIU) inaugural Pro-Chancellor.
Williams‘ appointment was announced via a press statement which was posted on the university’s Facebook page at the weekend.
“We are proud to announce Sonny Bill Williams, a globally renowned athlete celebrated for his extraordinary achievements in rugby league, rugby union and boxing, as our inaugural Pro-Chancellor. His term is effective from Nov 1 for a period of two years.
“The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place at AIU on Dec 10,” the statement said.
Williams, who made 58 Test appearances for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2019, confirmed the news and said he is proud of his appointment.
“For someone who dropped out of school at 14 and was given a chance to change my life through sports, this appointment is a proud privilege to be part of a university that does the same through education,’ Williams wrote on X formerly known as Twitter.
‘I was also able to attain a university degree’
“Along with changing my family’s situation, I was also able to attain a university degree.
“Special thanks to the Founder of Albukhary International University, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, the Board of Governors, and the entire AIU community.
“Lastly, to the students, I look forward to meeting and speaking with you all next month on the 10th. God bless!”
After dropping out of high school, Williams resumed his studies in 2018, taking on a Bachelor of Applied Management at Otago Polytechnic alongside other players from his Super Rugby team the Blues and he graduated in 2019.
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