Nick Williams (rugby union)

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]

Nick Williams
Date of birth (1983-12-02) 2 December 1983
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
Height1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight130 kg (20 st; 290 lb)
Notable relative(s)Tim Nanai-Williams (brother)
Sonny Bill Williams (cousin)
Joseph Parker (cousin)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number 8
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008–2010
2010–2012
2012–2016
2016–2020		 Munster
Aironi
Ulster
Cardiff Blues		 19
34
76
77		 (20)
(50)
(80)
(65)
Correct as of 29 August 2020
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2004–2008 North Harbour 33 (40)
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2004–2008 Blues 37 (20)
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2005–2006 Junior All Blacks 4 (15)
Correct as of 27 January 2013

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
  • Pro12 Player of the Season (1): 2012–13[5]
  • IRUPA Players' Player of the Year (1): 2013

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.

References
  1. "Nick Williams calls time on professional career". Cardiff Blues. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  2. Aironi Rugby: dopo Nick Williams arriva anche Totò Perugini Sport Parma, 23 May 2010 (in Italian)
  3. Williams signs for Ulster Ulster Rugby, 22 June 2012
  4. "Cardiff Blues sign Ulster number eight Nick Williams". BBC Sport. 23 December 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  5. "Nick Williams on move again after inspirational stint at Ulster", Independent, David Kelly, 24 December 2015.
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