Ali Williams joins Toulon in French rugby

French rugby club Toulon unveils New Zealand signing Ali Williams a day after welcoming South Africa star Brian Habana.

Ali Williams joins Toulon in French rugby

Former All Black lock Ali Williams was presented as French rugby club Toulon's latest A-list star.

Former All Black lock Ali Williams, a Rugby World Cup winner in 2011, was presented as Toulon's latest A-list star on Thursday and insisted he was braced for a new career challenge.

The 32-year-old, who will join the European champions in October once his Auckland Blues deal expires, said the opportunity to play in the French Top 14 was too good to turn down.

"In New Zealand and after 11 years with the All Blacks, I have won everything (World Cup, Tri-Nations, Super 12 and Super 14 titles)," said Williams.

"I have been given the chance to play alongside great players in the European Cup and when such an opportunity came up, I couldn't turn it down," added the veteran of 77 internationals.

"Toulon is a special club in world rugby. I know that the passion which surrounds the team is incredible.

"My dad (who is English) told me to come to Toulon where they have the best supporters in Europe."

He is the club's second new big-name star to be unveiled in two days following South Africa winger Bryan Habana on Wednesday.

On May 24, Williams announced his retirement from international rugby having made his debut in November 2002 against England.

His last All Blacks appearance was against Italy last November in Rome.


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Source: AAP


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