Former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has expressed his desire to establish a collaboration with Malaysia Rugby (MR) in the near future. This development was disclosed during a recent event entitled “Rugby Clinic With The Offload King” held in Kuala Lumpur, where Williams communicated his enthusiasm for working with MR and imparting his expertise to the young talents in the National Rugby Development Programme (NRDP).
In a press conference following the event, Williams articulated his willingness to collaborate with MR, affirming, “Yes, for sure (collaboration with MR). Insya-Allah. I’d love to come back and be part of Malaysian rugby.” Although the specific details of his role with MR were not disclosed, his keenness to contribute to the development of Malaysian rugby was evident.
Despite rugby not being a predominant sport in Malaysia, Williams acknowledged the significant passion for the game displayed by those involved in NRDP. He expressed surprise at the dedication and commitment of the young players, highlighting the untapped potential within Malaysia’s rugby community.
When questioned about the measures required to elevate the standard of Malaysian rugby, Williams emphasized the importance of increased funding for talent development. He also stressed the need to embrace the sport, recognize the talent available, and tap into the passion for rugby in Malaysia, stating, “I think if we can embrace rugby, understand people’s love of the game here, and recognize the talent available, we can dream big.”
As a two-time World Cup winner with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015, Williams brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. His visit to Malaysia for an Islamic educational event provided him with the opportunity to engage with aspiring young rugby players and offer them valuable insights to further their skills and passion for the game.
One of the participants from Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya, Nik Muhammad Iman Nik Ahmad Kiflee, 16, expressed his excitement at meeting his idol, Sonny Bill Williams, and receiving valuable tips, particularly on improving his passing accuracy.
Sonny Bill Williams’ expressed interest in partnering with Malaysia Rugby presents a remarkable opportunity for the development and growth of the sport in the country. His invaluable contributions and mentorship could potentially elevate the standard of rugby in Malaysia and inspire a new generation of talented players to pursue excellence in the sport.
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