Sonny Bill Williams: Sporting Legend
Sonny Bill Williams, born on August 3, 1985, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a powerhouse in each rugby and boxing. His exquisite adventure commenced with a promising rugby profession, representing New Zealand in each rugby league and rugby union. Notably, he’s certainly one of best 43 gamers to win the Rugby World Cup twice.
Hailing from a sports-centric family, with his father, John Williams, a mentioned rugby league player, and his mother, Lee Williams, a former national athletics champion, Sonny Bill inherited an athletic legacy. Beyond his athletic prowess, Williams is recognized for being the second one man or woman to represent New Zealand in both rugby codes.
His versatility extends to the boxing ring, wherein he’s become a reputable heavyweight boxer. Born of Samoan and European historical past, Williams’ achievements on the field, coupled with his marriage to Alana Raffie and his philanthropic efforts, have cemented his status as an influential and iconic determine inside the global of sports activities.
Sonny Bill Williams: Key Details
| Category | Details |
| Celebrated Name | Sonny Bill Williams |
| Age | 39 Years (Current age in 2024) |
| Nick Name | Sonny |
| Birth Name | Sonny Bill Williams |
| Birth Date | 1985-08-03 |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Rugby Player |
| Birth Nation | New Zealand |
| Place Of Birth | Auckland |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Best Known For | Rugby League Footballer playing for the Toronto Wolfpack |
| Father | John Williams |
| Mother | Lee Williams |
| Siblings | 3 |
| Sisters | Niall and Denise |
| Brothers | John Arthur Williams |
| School | Owairaka School, Wesley Intermediate, and Mount Albert Grammar School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Married Date | August 2013 |
| Spouse | Alana Raffie |
| Children | 3 |
| Daughter | Imman and Aisha |
| Son | Zaid |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Height | 6ft. 4inch. (1.94m) |
| Weight | 108kg (238 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Religion | Islam |
Sonny Bill Williams: Body Measurements
At 34 years old, Sonny Bill Williams, the rugby sensation, boasts a strong and athletic physique. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches (1.94 meters) and weighing around 108 kilograms (238 lbs), he carries a commanding presence on the field. Notably, Williams is adorned with several tattoos that accentuate his rugged appearance.
His fair skin provides a canvas for his ink, while his striking black hair and deep, dark eyes add to the intensity of his overall look. Sonny Bill Williams embodies a robust and imposing figure, showcasing the physical prowess that has defined his successful career in rugby.
Sonny Bill Williams: Financial Success
Sonny Bill Williams has built a substantial wealth through his successful careers in rugby and boxing. His earnings come from lucrative contract deals, salaries, and partnerships with various brands. Currently estimated at $15 million, his net worth reflects the financial success he achieved over the years.
Notably, Williams secured a significant five-year, $2.5 million contract with the Bulldogs, and later, he elevated his status as the highest-paid rugby player by inking a remarkable $10 million deal with the Toronto Wolfpack in 2019. Beyond sports, he boosts his income through endorsements with major companies such as “Adidas,” “Just Jeans,” “BMW,” “Powerade,” and “Rebel Sport.”
Despite inheriting a multimillion-dollar fortune, Sonny Bill Williams has maintained a wealthy and lavish lifestyle, showcasing his ability to navigate the realms of both sports and business successfully.
Sonny Bill Williams: Early Years in New Zealand
Sonny Bill Williams, born on August 3, 1985, in Auckland, New Zealand, grew up in a modest home in Mount Albert. His Samoan father, Ioane “John” Williams, and his mother, Lee Woolsey, who is part-New Zealander and part-Australian, shaped his early years. Sonny Bill has an older brother, John Arthur, and twin sisters, Niall and Denise.
Despite financial struggles, Williams found motivation in providing for his family. Introduced to rugby by his mother, he excelled in various sports during his school days, displaying exceptional talent in sprinting, high jumping, and cross country running at Owairaka School, Wesley Intermediate, and Mount Albert Grammar School.
Originally seen as a promising athlete in athletics, Williams shifted focus to rugby league around the age of twelve. Influenced by his father’s rugby league background, he joined the Marist Saints’ junior team. Notably, he caught the eye of former player John Ackland, leading to his entry into the NRL’s Canterbury Bulldogs in 2002, becoming the youngest player in the league. This marked the beginning of Sonny Bill Williams’ extraordinary journey in the world of sports.
Sonny Bill Williams: Rugby Journey
Sonny Bill Williams has had a remarkable rugby career, making a significant impact in both rugby league and rugby union. Let’s cut to the key details:
Rugby League Beginnings
In 2004, Williams burst onto the professional rugby scene with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. His immediate impact earned him the prestigious NRL Rookie of the Year award.
Transition to Rugby Union
Williams later shifted to rugby union, showcasing his skills with the Canterbury Crusaders and ultimately donning the jersey for the New Zealand All Blacks.
Pinnacle Moment – 2011 Rugby World Cup
The peak of his rugby career came in 2011, contributing significantly to the All Blacks’ triumph in the Rugby World Cup. Known for his remarkable offloads, athleticism, and unwavering commitment, Williams solidified his status as one of the world’s top rugby players.
Teams Played For
Rugby League:
- Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (2004-2008)
- Sydney Roosters (2013-2014)
- Toronto Wolfpack (2019-2020)
- Sydney Roosters (2020, second stint)
Rugby Union:
- Toulon (2008-2010)
- Canterbury (2010)
- Crusaders (2011)
- Chiefs (2012)
- Panasonic (2012-2013)
- Counties (2014)
- Chiefs (2015, second stint)
- Rugby Sevens (2016)
- Blues (2017-2019)
Sonny Bill Williams: Boxing Journey
Sonny Bill Williams, not just a rugby star but also a seasoned professional boxer, has stepped into the ring for a total of 10 matches. His boxing career showcases impressive stats with 9 victories and 1 loss, including 4 wins by KnockOut (KO) and 5 by Unanimous Decision.
List of Professional Boxing Matches:
- Debut Match – May 27, 2009: Sonny marked his boxing debut with a win, defeating Garry Gurr through a Technical KnockOut (TKO).
- June 30, 2010: Williams secured another victory, this time against Ryan Hogan with a TKO.
- January 29, 2011: Faced opponent Scott Lewis, and won the match by Unanimous Points Decision.
- June 5, 2011: Took on Alipate Liava’a, claiming another victory by Unanimous Points Decision.
- February 8, 2012: Battled Clarence Tillman III, initially planned to fight Richard Tutaki, and emerged victorious with a TKO, also claiming a title Belt.
- November 24, 2012: Fought South African Boxer Francois Botha and won by Unanimous Decision. Williams took a three-year break afterward, losing his Belt titles.
- January 31, 2015: Made a one-year boxing comeback against Chauncy Welliver, winning by Unanimous Decision.
- June 26, 2021: Returned after a six-year break, faced Waikato Falefehi, and secured a win by Unanimous Decision.
- March 23, 2022: Battled and defeated Barry Hall by TKO in the first round.
- November 5, 2022: Experienced his first professional boxing loss against Mark Hunt, ending with a Technical KnockOut.
Sonny Bill Williams: Family, Faith, and Values
Sonny Bill Williams comes from a sports-oriented family with notable siblings involved in touch football and rugby league. His cousins include former rugby league players Henry and Marcus Perenara, as well as rugby player Tim Nanai-Williams and Cardiff Blues player Nick Williams.
Williams embraced Islam in 2009, becoming the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks. He’s openly shared about his faith, performing an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca in 2018. As a dual citizen of New Zealand and Samoa, he expressed condolences for the Christchurch mosque shootings and spoke out against the mistreatment of the Uyghurs in China.
In his personal life, Williams is married to Alana Raffie, with whom he has four children. His story reflects achievements in sports, a deep connection to his roots, and a commitment to faith and humanitarian values.
Sonny Bill Williams: Love Marriage
Sonny Bill Williams is happily married to Alana Raffie, a professional dancer and model from South Africa. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in August 2013, following about six months of dating. Despite keeping their relationship under wraps initially, they made it public in 2014, sharing their joy on social media.
The Williams-Raffie union has blessed them with three children: two daughters named Imman and Aisha, and a son named Zaid. Sonny Bill Williams, known for his accomplishments in sports and his conversion to Islam in 2009, holds the distinction of being the first Muslim player for the “All Blacks.”
Currently relishing family life, Sonny Bill Williams enjoys the company of his wife, Alana, and their three children. Their journey together reflects a blend of love, privacy, and cultural significance through Williams’ faith.
FAQs
Q: When did Sonny Bill Williams get married?
A: Sonny Bill Williams married Alana Raffie in a secret ceremony in August 2013.
Q: Who is Alana Raffie, Sonny Bill Williams’ wife?
A: Alana Raffie is a professional dancer and model from South Africa.
Q: How many children do Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie have?
A: The couple has three children – two daughters named Imman and Aisha, and a son named Zaid.
Q: When did Sonny Bill Williams convert to Islam?
A: Sonny Bill Williams converted to Islam in 2009 while playing for Toulon in France.
Q: What is Sonny Bill Williams known for in the sports world?
A: Sonny Bill Williams is renowned for his achievements in rugby and boxing, as well as being the first Muslim player for the “All Blacks.”
Q: When did Sonny Bill Williams publicly reveal his relationship with Alana Raffie?
A: Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie made their relationship public in 2014 after initially keeping it a secret.