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Sonny Bill Williams signs three-year deal with Blues

Sonny Bill Williams will be back in rugby union from next season after announcing a three-year deal with Super Rugby side Blues.

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Cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams' latest career move has been confirmed after Blues announced the New Zealand international had signed a three-year deal with the club.

The announcement sees the 30-year-old move on from Chiefs to sign for their Super Rugby rivals, moving back to his hometown of Auckland.

Williams will start with Blues next season, after sitting out the current campaign in a bid to make the New Zealand rugby sevens team for the upcoming Olympics.

The deal with Blues will keep Williams at the club right through to the 2019 World Cup, where he is targeting a big role with the All Blacks.

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The former NRL and boxing star has 33 All Blacks caps to his name and will add some much-needed class to the struggling Blues, who have won six of their 12 games this season.

"Sonny is a marquee international player, and first and foremost he is here to play. His experience and expertise will be a major asset to a young backline," coach Tana Umaga said in a statement released on the club's official website.

"Off the field he brings leadership and a thoroughly professional attitude and approach that will hugely benefit our club and our players."

The move has also been hailed by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who was delighted to have the marquee back available for selection.

"It's great news for New Zealand rugby having Sonny available for the next three years. He is an extraordinarily gifted athlete and thoroughly professional in everything he does," Hansen told the All Blacks website.

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"His recommitment will bring a stability to the midfield and will allow us to build a world-class centre combination.

"Sonny's professionalism, both on and off the field, will not only be an asset to his fellow midfielders, but also the rest of the team."

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