Nick Williams (rugby union) explained

Nick Williams
Birth Date:1983 12, df=yes
Birth Place:Auckland, New Zealand
Weight:130kg (290lb)
Ru Position:Number 8
Ru Clubyears:2008–2010
2010–2012
2012–2016
2016–2020
Ru Proclubs:Munster
Aironi
Ulster
Cardiff Blues
Ru Clubcaps:19
34
76
77
Ru Clubpoints:(20)
(50)
(80)
(65)
Ru Clubupdate:29 August 2020
Super14years:2004–2008
Super14:Blues
Super14caps:37
Super14points:(20)
Ru Provinceyears:2004–2008
Ru Province:North Harbour
Ru Provincecaps:33
Ru Provincepoints:(40)
Ru Nationalyears:2005–2006
Ru Nationalcaps:4
Ru Nationalpoints:(15)
Ru Ntupdate:27 January 2013
Relatives:Tim Nanai-Williams (brother)
Sonny Bill Williams (cousin)
Joseph Parker (cousin)

Nick Williams (born 2 December 1983) is a retired rugby union player. A number 8, Williams played for North Harbour and the Blues in his native New Zealand, before moving to Europe and playing for Munster, Aironi, Ulster and Cardiff Blues before retiring in 2020.[1]

Career

Williams initially played rugby league, changing to rugby union in his late teens. He then progressed to play for North Harbour as well as representing New Zealand in Under 21's. He then went on to play for the Blues in the Super 14, and was selected for the Junior All Blacks.

Williams played for Munster in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup for two seasons. He made 19 appearances for Munster and scored four tries, including a hat-trick against the Newport Gwent Dragons. He joined Aironi on a one-year deal for the 2010–11 season.[2]

On 22 June 2012, Williams signed for Ulster on a two-year deal after leaving Aironi. On the signing, David Humphreys the Ulster Director of Rugby, said Williams would add a great deal to the Ulster squad.[3] On 23 December 2015, Williams would join Welsh team Cardiff Blues on a three-year contract from the 2016–17 season.[4] Williams retired from rugby in August 2020.[1]

Honours

Munster
Cardiff Blues
Junior All Blacks
Individual

Personal life

As one of eight children, Nick grew up in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Williams is the older brother of Clermont Auvergene back Tim Nanai-Williams. He is the first cousin of Blues centre Sonny Bill Williams and the second cousin of boxer Joseph Parker.

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Nick Williams calls time on professional career. 5 August 2020. Cardiff Blues. 29 August 2020.
  2. http://www.sportparma.com/rugby_sport_parma/5796-Aironi-Rugby-dopo-Nick-Williams-arriva-anche-Tot-Perugini.html Aironi Rugby: dopo Nick Williams arriva anche Totò Perugini
  3. http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10598.php Williams signs for Ulster
  4. News: Cardiff Blues sign Ulster number eight Nick Williams. BBC Sport. 23 December 2015. 5 January 2016.
  5. "Nick Williams on move again after inspirational stint at Ulster", Independent, David Kelly, 24 December 2015.
  6. Web site: Nick Williams scoops players' player of the year award . BBC Sport . 1 April 2021.