New Canterbury and Crusaders player Sonny Bill Williams is looking forward to joining the rugby environment in Christchurch.

Williams said from the Gold Coast in Australia today: “I made my decision to join Canterbury and the Crusaders because that’s where I think I will best develop as a rugby player.

“It will be an easier transition to go from Canterbury to the Crusaders and it means I won’t have to go from town to town.”

Williams said the feedback from coaches Rob Penney (Canterbury) and Todd Blackadder (Crusaders) were very important, as was the chance to develop alongside the likes of Dan Carter and Brad Thorn.

“Dan Carter was a big factor. He’s one of the best number 10s in world rugby. At Toulon I had a good connection with Jonny Wilkinson which was important. You only have to go through the [Crusaders] team to see the calibre of players in their side.

“Brad Thorn was a big factor too. He’s a special talent. He’s a big man as well and has become one of the best rugby union forwards in the world. But I’m willing to learn off anyone, whether it’s Dan Carter or one of the younger boys.

“It’s all about the rugby for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Williams is expected to be in Christchurch on Monday, July 5.

He said the last time he was in the city he was playing for Mt Albert Grammar in a rugby league game against Aranui High School. “And we were beaten by about 50 points.”

Canterbury’s full squad will be announced at a function for media and sponsors at AMI Stadium on Monday, July 5. 

Canterbury’s first competition game of the new ITM Cup season is against Hawke’s Bay at AMI Stadium on Friday, July 30.

The above picture was supplied by Getty Images