Sonny Bill Williams and his sister Niall could be shooting for gold at next year’s Rio Olympics.
The younger Williams has taken the first step on the path to Rio with selection for the New Zealand women’s sevens squad for next weekend’s Dubai sevens, the opener for the world series circuit.
The Auckland-based 27-year-old is a mother She’s an amazing athlete similar to her brother,” said New Zealand coach Sean Horan. “She’s worked very hard over the last nine months to really make this happen. She’s a very powerful and skilful player, coming from a touch background so that’s good.
“Physically she’s tough, so we’re excited. We’re not expecting fireworks straight away, but she has real potential and we see a big future for her.”
Sonny Bill Williams is not in the frame for the first two tournaments for the All Blacks Sevens but will come into contention in the new year.
Several players were unavailable through injury: Charlotte Scanlan (shoulder), Kayla McAlister (foot), Stacey Waaka (shoulder), Lesley Ketu (ankle), Alexis Tapsell (neck), Selica Winiata (back).
Horan said the first team of the new season was young, which augured well for the future.
“We have a few injuries which have resulted in some changes, but going into Dubai we’re really excited. We have the mainstay of Tyla, Kelly, Sarah and Portia and some up and coming players like Gayle Broughton and Hazel Tubic who have been going exceptionally well and some new blood, so it’s a great mix to take into the first tournament of the new season.”
