1
The day Sonny Bill Williams lost respect for All Blacks teammate
By Josh Raisey
Playing in two World Cup-winning All Blacks sides would teach a player a lot about who his teammates are, but Sonny Bill Williams learned the greatest lesson about one of his teammates away from the pitch or training paddock.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 58-cap All Black was taught a “truth of life” from an unnamed teammate during his time with the national team, who failed to “stand up when it really mattered”.
The incident occurred after then-All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen had set a curfew for the team ahead of a big match.
Video Player is loading.
This is a modal window.
Playback Denied: Unavailable
Error Code: VIDEO_CLOUD_ERR_VIDEO_NOT_PLAYABLE
Technical details
:
Session ID: 2025-04-26:e19255c98ed3c9ee1ca9bce7 Player Element ID: brightcove-embedded-video
The former rugby league and union superstar opened up in an interview about what happened after the curfew was set, and how it resulted in his teammate’s words being “hollow” to him from then on.
“I was playing for the All Blacks and after a big win our coach Shags [Hansen] set a curfew because of the big game the next week,” Williams said.
View this post on Instagram
“Despite that, some of us went out to celebrate a teammate’s milestone. We got back a little late, breaking the curfew.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The next morning, as we headed to the bus, a meeting was called and we were all sent to the team room. Shags wasn’t happy. It was tough seeing the disappointment in the coach, but more so in our teammates who we let down’s faces.
“He told everyone who broke the curfew to stand up. You know what? In moments like these, you really discover who has your back. I’ll never forget the teammate that didn’t stand. He was sitting next to me and he chose to stay seated.
“You know in the future, we would play together a lot, we’d go into battle. But whenever he gave those motivational talks before the game, I’ll be honest, those words meant nothing to me. They were hollow. Because he didn’t stand up when it really mattered.
“Real strength isn’t just about how much muscle you have or what you can do in the weights room. It’s about standing up for what’s right even if that means standing alone.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This lesson isn’t just about the rugby field, but rather it’s a truth of life.”
Don’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
Who listens to this retard?
He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
I’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy.
Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.
He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
Bit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going.
And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
SBW go fuck yourself you moron. You’re the most hypocrite person on earth.
It couldn’t have been Ryan Crotty. He wasn’t selected in either World Cup side - they chose Money Bill instead. And Money Bill only cared about himself, and that manager he had, not the team.
Thanks .. Like I said I was only speculating, SBW a much better 12 than Crotty….
It doesn’t say it was during a World Cup does it?
Talking bout Ryan Crotty? Heard Crotty say in a interview once that SBW doesen't care about the team . He went on to say that whenever they lost a big game, SBW would be happy as if nothing happened, according to him someone who cares would look down.. Personally I think Crotty is in the wrong, not for feeling gutted but for expecting others 2 be like him… I have been a bad loser forever as it matters so much to me but good on you SBW for being able to see the bigger picture….
No
Islam says it must rule where it stands
Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
I’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
I'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
That was long time ago when he was young. We’ve all made mistakes. He has been an exemplary athlete who dared to dream to be more than an All Black (which he of course was) - That unfortunately is considered a sin in a country were many have their blinkers on! Take of your blinkers and see SBW’s hard work, achievements and humility!! There is good in nearly everyone.
Someone should be spanked for calling you equalizer. Come forth and show yourself.
Stop crying on social media Canterbury supporter. Typical Canterbury whinger. Go home to mummy.
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm.
Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
After missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
A bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person.
There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
Yeah but who was it?
I know him and Ryan Crotty doesen’t send each other birthday cards and Ryan has trashed him b4 in media. Just speculation. .
SBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
I bet Robbie Fruean would disagree with you.. He literally made Fruean… hence the massive fall from grace when SBW were not next to him…. SBW was a brilliant 12, if you want to show someone that doesn't play rugby how to play 12, you show him SBW footage, you might think he is a dick but he’s a great … thank God he left boxing as he was on his way to getting killed….
what you on about one of the best centers in an all blacks jersey its obvious you don’t know what you’re talking about
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
no no he isn’t
100%
Mmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
Some men are worse than women when it comes to gossip… SBW was a great rugby player, poor boxer and turned his life around for the better, I also admire he’s humility and honesty, I think SBW will one day look back on this article with regret, if he doesen't already… it is really sad seeing the comments…
Yeah no kidding. What’s SBW’s point telling this story all those years later?
Let me tell another story. It’s about a guy desperate to be relevant telling old stories about unnamed people letting him down and not having integrity; while ironically not having the integrity to keep a simple, kinda pointless story in the past. Course not naming names but I read an article about the unnamed athlete retelling the story.
Don’t know about liking it, but it speaks to what most people already know - that SBW is a moron. May have been a good player but wouldn't know how to spell his own name.
It’s not the best article i’ve ever read, but I found it mildly interesting