SBW: "League tougher than Union"
Rugby league tougher than rugby union, claims dual international Sonny Bill Williams
SONNY Bill Williams has declared rugby league a tougher code than rugby union.
A week after committing to return to the Roosters in 2014, Williams told The Telegraph in the UK that while rugby is a bigger sport, league exacts a harsher physical toll.
"Obviously rugby [union] is a bigger sport globally but I believe rugby league is a lot tougher," Williams said.
"In rugby I played in the backs with the pretty boys kicking stones out wide, doing our hair, and in rugby league I知 in the middle doing the hard yards."
Williams added that he was not interested in another European stint following his two years with French rugby club Toulon.
"I知 getting a bit too old for that and I知 pretty content with my home at the Roosters and, if I go back to rugby, my home at the Chiefs," he said.
"I知 a pretty simple man and although this weather is pretty tempting, I think I値l plan my future where it is a little bit warmer."
Williams missed the Kiwis' league World Cup triumph in 2008 after walking out on the Bulldogs to join Toulon.
He seemed destined to miss their title defence this year until an eleventh hour change of heart prompted New Zealand selectors to rush him into the squad after the original 24-man had been named.
Williams was approached to represent Samoa at the tournament, but said he was more than happy to represent the Kiwis.
"I知 proud of being half Samoan, my father is a pretty staunch Samoan but I grew up in New Zealand and I知 very proud to represent my country," he said.
With his immediate playing future settled, Williams said he was a content man away from the field.
"I think one of the biggest things I learned from the way I left rugby league in the first place was that life is not all about sport," he said.
"You finish at 32, 33 and you致e still got your whole life to live. It was a big learning experience and it was really humbling as well. Now I知 very content with the man that I see in the mirror and the way I carry myself."
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