All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is unavailable to play for the Blues on Friday choosing travel to Christchurch to provide support for those affected by the mosque shootings.
Sonny Bill Williams in Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
A proud Muslim, Williams posted to social media on Sunday night saying he would be in Christchurch "later in the week to show love and give donations to the Christchurch Masjids for the people effected in this tragedy".
The Blues confirmed the 51-test midfielder would not play against the Highlanders at Eden Park.
Thank you everyone for your kind hearts. We will be in Christchurch later in the week to show love and give donations to the Christchurch Masjids for the people effected in this tragedy. My heart is heavy ❤ please don’t stop showing your support.
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 17, 2019
The match would count as one of the two Super Rugby fixtures he must miss as an All Blacks player ahead of this year's World Cup.
Williams' confirmation of his trip to Christchurch followed an emotional video he posted on Friday after the terror attacks.
In the video he cried and expressed his hurt and distress about the shootings.
My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families❤️ pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 15, 2019
Friday night's match in Auckland would be the first for the Blues since Williams led them to their first victory of the season after being handed the captaincy of the team.
The 28-20 win against the Sunwolves at North Harbour Stadium on March 9 came after the franchise had lost the first three matches of their 2019 campaign.
