Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams stays with the All Blacks

Third Rugby World Cup title targeted in three-year contract, which will also see SBW play Super Rugby for the Auckland Blues

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All Black Sonny Bill Williams with New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew (left) and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen after it was announced Sonny Bill had signed a three-year deal with the union. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00pm, 1 Jun 2016Updated: 12:04am, 3 Jun 2016

Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams confirmed on Wednesday he will stay with the All Blacks until late 2019, spurning lucrative offers from overseas clubs and rugby league to chase his third World Cup title.

He’ll only get better and better. He could end up being one of the greats of our game

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on Sonny Bill Williams

Williams, who is currently playing rugby sevens with hopes of snaring a medal at the Rio Olympics, said he wanted to remain part of the All Blacks’ winning culture.

“I love winning, I love the high-pressure environment. I don’t know if I could get that overseas,” said the 30-year-old.

While his athletic prowess is unquestioned, some labelled Williams a dilettante before for only signing one-year deals that let him flit between rugby union, league, sevens and even professional boxing.

The three-year contract is his longest commitment to the All Blacks and coach Steve Hansen said it would give him the chance to etch his name in union’s honour roll.

Sonny Bill Williams is a “freakish athlete and is one of the best, if not the best in the world in his position”, said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Photo: AFP

“He’ll only get better and better. He could end up being one of the greats of our game,” Hansen said.

Under the deal, Williams will switch his Super Rugby allegiance from the Waikato Chiefs to the Auckland Blues, coached by former All Black great Tana Umaga.