Sony Bill Williams (born August 3, 1985) is a well-known New Zealand athlete who has achieved success in both rugby and boxing. Williams grew up in a family of rugby players, and his father, John Williams, was a professional rugby player in the 1980s. Williams is married to Alana Raffie, and the couple has four children together.
Williams began his sporting career as a rugby league player, making his debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2004. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills on the field and went on to play for the New Zealand Kiwis, the national rugby league team. In 2008, Williams made the switch to rugby union and joined French club Toulon. He later played for the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks, and helped them win the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015.
Aside from his rugby career, Williams has also pursued a career in boxing. He made his professional boxing debut in 2009 and has since won seven out of his nine fights. Williams is known for his impressive physique and strength, which have helped him excel in both rugby and boxing. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $25 million, making him one of the richest athletes in New Zealand.
Sony Bill Williams Age
Sonny Bill Williams was born on August 3, 1985, in Auckland, New Zealand, to his Samoan father, Ioane Williams, and his mother, Lee Woolsey, who is half-New Zealander and half-Australian. He grew up in a family of five, with an older brother, John Arthur, and younger twin sisters, Niall and Denise.
Williams’ father was a boxer and a rugby player, and he played a significant role in his son’s early life. Williams’ mother was a teacher, and she instilled in him a love of learning and a strong work ethic.
Sony Bill Williams Education
Williams attended Mount Albert Grammar School, where he excelled in both rugby and basketball. He was a standout player on the school’s rugby team, and he was quickly recognized as one of the most promising young players in the country.
After graduating from high school, Williams enrolled in a sports science program at the Auckland University of Technology. He continued to play rugby during his time at university, and he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the country.
Williams’ success on the rugby field led to a professional career, and he eventually left university to focus on his rugby career full-time. Despite leaving school early, Williams has always emphasized the importance of education, and he has encouraged young people to pursue their academic goals while also pursuing their passions.
Sony Bill Williams Career
Sonny Bill Williams started his professional rugby career with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2004. He played for the Bulldogs for five seasons, winning the NRL Premiership in 2004. In 2008, Williams signed with the Toulon Rugby Club in France, where he played for two seasons. In 2010, he returned to the NRL to play for the Sydney Roosters, where he won the NRL Premiership in 2013.
In 2014, Williams signed with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, where he played for two seasons. During his time with the Chiefs, he won the Super Rugby title in 2015. In 2016, he signed with the Blues, where he played for three seasons.
Sonny Bill Williams made his international debut for the New Zealand All Blacks in 2010. He played a key role in the team’s success, helping them win the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015. He also played in the Rugby Championship, where he helped New Zealand win the title multiple times.
Williams has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team, where he helped them win the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2016. He was also part of the New Zealand team that won the silver medal in the rugby sevens event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Overall, Sonny Bill Williams has had an impressive rugby career, winning numerous domestic and international titles. His talent and skill on the field have made him one of the most respected and admired rugby players of his generation.
Following his retirement from rugby, Sonny Bill Williams has pursued a career in media and broadcasting. He has worked as a commentator and analyst for various sports networks, including Fox Sports and Sky Sports. Williams has also appeared as a guest on several television shows, including The Project and The Footy Show.
Aside from his media work, Williams has also ventured into business. He owns a number of businesses, including a boxing gym and a cafe in Auckland. In addition, he has launched his own clothing line, which features a range of sportswear and casual clothing.
Williams has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including the establishment of the Sonny Bill Williams Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds, helping them to pursue their sporting dreams.
Overall, Sonny Bill Williams has carved out a successful post-rugby career, using his platform and influence to make a positive impact in various areas.
Sony Bill Williams Net Worth
As of February 2024, Sonny Bill Williams’ net worth is estimated to be $25 million. Williams has made his fortune through his successful rugby and boxing career, as well as various endorsements and business ventures. In 2019, he signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Wolfpack rugby team worth up to $10 million.
Besides sports, Williams has also ventured into the business world. He owns a boxing gym in Sydney, Australia, and has launched his own clothing line, SBW, which features sportswear and streetwear. Williams has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting the Muslim community in New Zealand after the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019.
Overall, Sonny Bill Williams’ net worth is a testament to his hard work and success in both sports and business.