Sonny Bill Williams created a stir when fronting national and local media at Rugby Park today.

The new Canterbury and Crusaders signing expressed regret at not being able to join his new team-mates on the field following his keyhole knee surgery a week ago, but said the operation went well and his rehab is putting him on track for a return to full training.

Williams showed great patience in talking to over 20 different media representatives for 90 minutes and said he was already enjoying being in Christchurch. The weather didn’t exactly come to the party but he braved the freezing conditions well.

Williams said the banter among the Canterbury boys had started already and he was looking forward to getting to know everyone better.