All Black lock Ali Williams said on Wednesday his playing future next year in New Zealand is uncertain after being sent home in disgrace by the Auckland Blues.
Williams arrived back in New Zealand from South Africa late on Tuesday after the team management and senior players from the Blues decided to banish him ahead of their Super 14 semifinal against the Sharks.
At a press conference in Auckland on Wednesday, Williams was only partially apologetic and said his playing plans were uncertain after he comes off contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union at the end of the year.
”My future with New Zealand is until the end of the year and I’m going to give it everything to help whatever team that I’m with.
”As to my future, I’m unclear.”
Several All Blacks have signed lucrative deals to play with European clubs after this year’s World Cup, including the side’s other first-choice lock, Chris Jack.
Blues chief executive Andy Dalton said Monday that Williams was sent home for repeated offences, including late-night drinking and lack of respect for team management.
The 26-year-old, who has 40 Test caps, said on Wednesday he was extremely disappointed to be ”put in this situation”, adding he took a ”bit of responsibility for his actions”.
”It takes two to tango and obviously I’ve put myself in this position.
”Obviously, I’ve got a few rough edges I need to sort out”.
He said he had admitted to management in Sydney he had been out, but denied being a ”bad boy”.
”Is it a crime to go out?” he said.
Later he said on New Zealand television he had been out drinking with friends in Perth on Tuesday night last week to celebrate his birthday.
One of the most hurtful aspects of the situation was that six senior players had agreed with management he should be sent home.
”The fact they have said their piece, it hurts the most.”
He said he was still hopeful of returning to the Blues for the Super 14 final, if they win against the Sharks. — Sapa-AFP