New Zealand rugby icon Sonny Bill Williams has made a jaw-dropping revelation, admitting his sons would rather pull on the green and gold of the Springboks than wear the famous All Blacks jersey.
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The former world champion, now 38, shares his family with South African model Alana Raffie, whom he married in 2013 after a whirlwind romance that began with a chance meeting in a shop.
True to Williams’ low-key nature, the couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony just months into their relationship. The wedding, held shortly before the 2013 NRL Grand Final, was kept tightly under wraps — so much so that even Williams’ Sydney Roosters teammates and close friend Anthony Mundine had no idea it had happened.
Guests were sworn to secrecy, and the marriage only became public knowledge the following year when the couple finally confirmed it on social media.
Now, years later, Williams has revealed that his strong South African family ties may be influencing the next generation — with his sons reportedly eyeing the All Blacks’ greatest rivals instead.
Since tying the knot, Alana and Sonny stayed away from social media and even rejected an opportunity to get paid six figures by selling their wedding to television and glossy magazines.
The Williams’ have four children, daughters Iman and Aisha, and sons Zaid and Essa.
“Cape Town is my second home,” Williams said.
“Maybe one day my two boys might be playing in Green and Gold.
“They’ve told me that’s what they’d like.
“They love the Springboks.”
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The ten greatest All Blacks of all-time (Ranked 10-1)
From trailblazers to modern icons, these are the ten greatest players to ever wear the black jersey.
10 Ma’a Nonu
Ma’a Nonu began his career as a force of nature — a midfielder who ran straight through defenders rather than around them. Over time, though, he evolved. He added vision, timing, and a deft passing game that elevated him from destructive runner to complete footballer. Every season showed evidence of hard work and growth.
Alongside Conrad Smith, Nonu formed one of the greatest midfield partnerships the game has known. In 103 Tests for the All Blacks, he scored 51 tries, but his legacy goes beyond numbers. It’s the journey from raw power to refined leader that defines him. Even more remarkable is his longevity — at 43, he is still competing at the highest level with Toulon in the Top 14.
9 Ian Kirkpatrick
Before rugby became a game dominated by mobile forwards and ball-carrying flankers, Ian Kirkpatrick was already redefining the role. He had the speed, footwork, and finishing ability of a back, yet he played in the pack. Sixteen tries in just 39 Tests was extraordinary for a flanker in that era.
Kirkpatrick wasn’t loud or theatrical. He led quietly, through performance rather than words. Ask those who watched him play, and they’ll tell you the same thing — “Kirkie” was simply ahead of his time.
8 John Kirwan
Long before Sir John Kirwan became a leader and advocate off the field, he was one of the most devastating wingers the All Blacks ever produced. With his long stride and explosive pace, he could dismantle a defence in seconds. His iconic try against Italy at the 1987 World Cup remains one of rugby’s most replayed moments.
Kirwan scored 35 tries in 63 Tests, but his greatest strength was his courage — first in the black jersey, and later in speaking openly about mental health. His impact reached far beyond the try line.
7 Christian Cullen
Whenever Christian Cullen touched the ball, time seemed to slow — just long enough for something special to happen. A sudden sidestep, a burst of pace, a try created out of nothing. He didn’t sprint so much as glide, making the extraordinary look effortless.
Cullen scored 46 tries in just 60 Tests, but statistics barely capture his brilliance. It was the way he scored that mattered. He reignited a love for attacking rugby, and even today, fans debate how much more he could have given. What he did give, though, was unforgettable.
6 Colin Meads
The stories sound like folklore — playing with broken bones, charging into contact like a raging bull, refusing to back down from anyone. Yet every tale about Colin Meads is rooted in truth. His toughness belonged to another era, one defined by raw physicality and unrelenting resolve.
Meads played 55 Tests when the game offered little protection and demanded everything in return. On the field, he was fearsome; off it, humble and grounded. Decades on, many still regard him as the greatest All Black to ever pull on the jersey.
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