Sonny Bill Williams: ‘I always say a better man makes a better athlete’ | Donald McRae

A star in rugby union and league, and now a professional boxer, the New Zealander reveals his inner torments and what drives him on

I get pretty emotional talking about it, bro," Sonny Bill Williams says quietly as he explains how he feels whenever, like now, he reflects on his extraordinary life. Williams has won the World Cup twice with the All Blacks and been a superstar in rugby league, where he lifted two NRL titles in Australia. When he switched codes he won a Super Rugby title and played rugby sevens in the Olympics and became New Zealand's heavyweight boxing champion.

Williams has also overcome low self-esteem, a drinking problem, a wayward life and rediscovered himself in Islam. He is now retired from rugby, having played at the highest level for 16 years, but he speaks out against prejudice while dedicating himself to his new career as a professional boxer.