Sonny Bill Williams is eager to get his rugby career under way at Canterbury and is looking forward to playing a part for the team against Bay of Plenty at AMI Stadium tomorrow night.

Williams has been recovering from minor knee surgery and a hamstring injury but is now raring to go after playing 40 minutes for Canterbury Metro last weekend – a match in which he scored two tries and generally looked a class act.

Midfielder Williams has been named on the reserves bench for Canterbury but is likely to get game time.

“It has been a frustrating few weeks for me but I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch tomorrow and helping the team out,” Williams said. “It was been important that I take a cautious approach though as there’s no use in making things worse just as they’re improving.

“I’ve been working hard on my rehab and fitness but there’s nothing like playing and that’s what I like doing most.”

Williams, who is originally from Auckland, has been enjoying the rugby environment in Christchurch after his time in Australia and, most recently, Toulon in France.

“Everyone has been really welcoming to me which I really appreciate. The kids especially seem to like what I do which is cool.”

Williams added: “Canterbury’s performances have been pretty impressive on the whole – especially last weekend against Auckland. The firepower in the backline is right up there.”

After last week’s match for Metro, Williams spoke to the Canterbury Rugby Supporters’ Club with the president of the club Dick Tayler (gold medallist at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch). Alongside him was New Zealand rugby legend Colin Meads.

“Meeting the supporters was great and of course a couple of legends in Dick Tayler and Colin Meads. I grew up hearing stories about Colin so to meet him was a highlight.”