Sonny Bill and sister off to Rio

NEW ZEALAND – Sonny Bill Williams and his sister Niall have achieved a rare double after both being named in New Zealand Olympic sevens squads bound for the Rio Olympics.

“I’m really proud of making this team, but also very aware of the boys who never made it, and I’m feeling for them,” Williams said. “And I’m proud of my sister as well, so it’s pretty special for our family today.”

His little sister Niall, 28, a New Zealand touch player for 10 years before making the switch to the sevens game last year is a mother of two small children.

Niall was asked earlier about what it would mean to the Williams family should the pair both represent their country in Rio.

“Even with me playing touch and all of Sonny’s achievements, they’re already proud,” she said. “But the Olympics are the pinnacle of sport so, if we both made it, the family would be –I guess words can’t describe the feelings they would have, but proud comes to mind straight away.”

Niall, who has a twin sister and two older brothers, said Sonny Bill was her role model for the dedication he put into rugby, but added that her own fitness commitments were considerable. - PNC