Who Is Sonny Bill Williams? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on August 3, 1985, Sonny Bill Williams is a renowned New Zealand rugby player, widely recognized for his exceptional skills on the field. Over the years, he has played for several prestigious teams, including the All Blacks and various clubs in both rugby league and rugby union. As of 2025, he is 39 years old and continues to be a significant figure in the world of sports, inspiring many with his dedication and versatility.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1985 |
| Age | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | New Zealand |
Popularity
Sonny Bill Williams's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sonny Bill Williams stands tall at an impressive height of 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighs approximately 240 lbs (109 kg). His athletic build and physical prowess have contributed significantly to his success as a professional athlete. Williams is known for his agility, speed, and strength, making him a formidable presence on the field.
On 13 November 2012, Williams confirmed he would be returning to rugby league after signing a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters for the 2013 NRL season. His return was undertaken to honour a handshake agreement with Roosters chairman Nick Politis.
It took over a month before his contract was officially approved and registered by the Australian Rugby League Commission; he was "frogmarched into League Central to be grilled as part of the probe" into his contract.
Williams's return coincided with the banning of the shoulder charge, a manoeuvre of which he has been described as the best and most famous exponent.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sonny Bill Williams is a family-oriented individual. He is married to his wife, Alana Madelyn, and together they share several children. Their relationship is characterized by mutual support and respect, and they often share glimpses of their family life on social media. There have been no public indications of any dating rumors or extramarital affairs, showcasing their commitment to one another.
Williams grew up in a working-class family in a state house in the Auckland suburb of Mount Albert.
In describing his struggling family background, Williams later said that the "driving factor" in his pursuit of playing professional rugby league was to "get my mum a house." He attended Owairaka School, Wesley Intermediate and Mount Albert Grammar School.
As a child he has been described as being a "small, skinny white kid" who was "painfully shy", as well as "a freakish sporting talent, a competitive sprinter, a champion high jumper and cross country runner and the kid who played footy in teams a couple of age divisions above, to make things fairer." Despite being tipped to have a promising future
in athletics, Williams abandoned it when he was about twelve years old.
Though his father was an accomplished rugby league player, Williams has said it was his mother who introduced him to the game.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Sonny Bill Williams boasts an estimated net worth of $25 million. This immense wealth has been accumulated through his successful rugby career, endorsements, and other business ventures. Reports suggest that Williams earns an impressive annual salary, contributing significantly to his financial standing.
In July 2008, after linking up with new manager Khoder Nasser, Williams left Australia to join the Tana Umaga coached French rugby union club Toulon. In his controversial mid-season exit from the NRL, Williams cited salary cap concerns for his move.
In 2005 it had been suggested that the NRL's salary cap restrictions could prove problematic in trying to keep top-grade players in rugby league. The Canterbury Bulldogs club officials and players were not notified of his departure until after Williams had already left for Europe using a Samoan passport.
Williams was eighteen months into a five-year contract with the Bulldogs, and the dispute was only resolved when Toulon paid a transfer fee of around £300,000 (A$750,000). According to the Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg, Williams was "our best player [before he] walked out".
The circumstances in which he left the Bulldogs created a media debate in Australia and New Zealand, and Williams was the subject of considerable criticism for a departure that was described as the greatest act of treachery in the game's history.
Career, Business, and Investments
Sonny Bill Williams’s career spans multiple sports, including rugby league and rugby union. He has represented New Zealand in numerous international competitions and has made significant contributions to his teams. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Williams has ventured into the business realm, involving himself in various investment opportunities and brand partnerships. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to successful ventures in sports apparel and fitness.
Williams began his career in rugby league, and has played as a forward over eight seasons in three spells in the National Rugby League (NRL), with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters. He has won 12 caps for New Zealand (the Kiwis) and won the RLIF Awards for Rookie of the Year in 2004 and International Player of the Year in 2013.
In 2020 he played for the Toronto Wolfpack in Super League, before moving to Sydney Roosters the same year.
Social Network
Sonny Bill Williams maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life. His Instagram account boasts a substantial following, showcasing his journeys, training routines, family moments, and philanthropic activities. Being a public figure, he uses these platforms not only for self-promotion but also to spread positive messages and encourage healthy lifestyles.
In the first game of the 2007 season, Williams was sent off and subsequently suspended for two weeks for a high tackle on Andrew Johns. He thus became the first player of the 21st century to be sent off in a first-round game.
Speculation surrounding Williams's playing future ended when he re-signed with Canterbury on 9 March 2007 for a five-year contract worth over $2.5 million, extending through to the 2012 season. Williams was selected to play for the Kiwis as a second-row forward in the 2007 Anzac Test loss against Australia.
He went on to play in 21 matches for the Bulldogs; scored fourteen tries and topped the competition, for the second successive year, for most offloads. However, Williams broke his forearm in a tackle on Nathan Hindmarsh during the semi-final against the Parramatta Eels.
His team lost the match, and Williams was again ruled out from representing New Zealand in the post-season 2007 Great Britain Tour. He was nominated for 'Second-Rower of the Year' at the 2007 Dally M Awards; however, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles second-rower Anthony Watmough won the award.
Education
Sonny Bill Williams attended multiple schools during his formative years, where he excelled in sports. Although his primary focus was athletics, he valued his education and pursued knowledge alongside his sporting career. His dedication to learning has also transformed into advocacy, where he encourages young athletes to prioritize both education and sportsmanship.
In 2004, when eighteen years old, Williams made his NRL debut for Canterbury-Bankstown against the Parramatta Eels at Telstra Stadium. In 2004, he was selected by New Zealand after only a handful of NRL games and on 23 April made his debut for the Kiwis as their youngest-ever Test player in the 2004 ANZAC Test against Australia.
He had previously played for the Junior Kiwis. Williams played fifteen NRL matches during the season, establishing himself in the Canterbury squad.
He experienced premiership success in his debut season and became the youngest person to play for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in a grand final when playing off the bench in the Bulldogs' 16–13 victory over the Sydney Roosters in the 2004 NRL Grand Final.
Williams capped a successful debut season by receiving the 2004 RLIF Awards' International Newcomer of the Year Award and being named in Rugby League World magazine's 2004 World XIII. As 2004 NRL premiers, Canterbury-Bankstown faced Super League IX champions, the Leeds Rhinos, in the 2005 World Club Challenge, which Canterbury lost 32–39.
