Sonny Bill Williams

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Sonny Bill Williams stands among the most versatile athletes New Zealand has produced. He is one of only two people to have played for the country in both rugby league and rugby union, and one of just 44 players worldwide to have won the Rugby World Cup twice. His ability to excel in three distinct sports at the highest level is a rare achievement. He also became the first Muslim All Black, a milestone that resonated far beyond sport. His honours include two World Cup winners' medals, an NRL premiership, two Super Rugby titles, and two professional boxing championships.

AwardsSonny Bill Williams has won major honours in three sports. In rugby league, he earned the RLIF Rookie of the Year in 2004 and the RLIF International Player of the Year in 2013, and he won the NRL Premiership with the Sydney Roosters in 2013. In rugby union, he was part of the All Blacks teams that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015, and he won Super Rugby with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013. As a boxer, he held the NZPBA Heavyweight Championship and the WBA International Heavyweight Championship.

Honours & Distinctions

First Muslim All Black

New Zealand Rugby·2009

Williams became the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks after converting to Islam.

Double International

New Zealand Rugby·2010

One of only two athletes to represent New Zealand in both rugby league and rugby union.

Rugby World Cup Winner

World Rugby·2015

Won the Rugby World Cup for the second time with the All Blacks.

Rugby World Cup Winner

World Rugby·2011

Won the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks on home soil.

Records & Feats

One of only two athletes to represent New Zealand in both rugby league and rugby union

Career Milestone·2010

Williams achieved this rare double international honour, playing for the Kiwis and the All Blacks.

One of 44 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice

Historic First·2015

He was part of the All Blacks squads that won the World Cup in 2011 and 2015.

First Muslim All Black

Historic First·2009

He became the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks after converting to Islam in 2009.