• Williams’ Muslim faith means he objects to wearing certain sponsors • ‘It is important to me that I do the right thing with regards to my faith’

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Sonny Bill Williams will be allowed to continue covering up a sponsor’s logo on his Auckland Blues shirt after the New Zealand Rugby Union agreed to the All Blacks player’s request based on his religious beliefs.

Williams, a devout Muslim, last week taped up his collar to hide Bank of New Zealand logos as Islamic faith forbids financial institutions charging interest and fees on loans.

The move raised the possibility of disciplinary action, but the NZRU accommodated Williams’ request after he lodged a “conscientious objection”. The Blues support his stance.

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From next week, Williams will instead wear a bespoke jersey that bears the name of the children’s support service, Plunket, over where BNZ’s logo would normally be.

The Blues kit also features two Investec logos – one on each sleeve. The international specialist banking and asset company is the Super Rugby competition’s main sponsor and also has a deal in place with the NZRU.

Williams will also be allowed to cover up one of those logos – that referring to the relationship with the NZRU – but not the other, which appears on the competition logo and is compulsory on all New Zealand Super Rugby teams’ jerseys.

“I want to be clear that this is nothing personal against the BNZ or Investec,” Williams said. “My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs, and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption.

“As I learn more, and develop a deeper understanding of my faith, I am no longer comfortable doing things I used to do.

“So while a logo on a jersey might seem like a small thing to some people, it is important to me that I do the right thing with regards to my faith and hope that people respect that.

“I want to thank the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for working with me through this matter over the last couple of days, and respecting my religion and accommodating my request.”

Plunket, a national New Zealand non-profit organisation providing care and support for parents and preschool children, is a partner of BNZ, which suggested the replacement solution to Williams and his manager on Wednesday.



The BNZ chief executive, Anthony Healy, said: “We think this is a fantastic outcome for all.”

Williams’ objection to sporting BNZ’s logo on his shirt does not extend to AIG, the insurance organisation that sponsors the national team and whose name features prominently on the front of All Blacks’ jerseys.



“Sonny holds clear religious beliefs in relation to this matter and we respect those,” said the NZRU’s general manager, Neil Sorensen. “Conscientious objections need to be genuine and we believe this is.”

Williams has been named in the Blues’ starting XV for the match against the Hurricanes on Saturday, having made his comeback from injury in last week’s game against the Highlanders.

He is looking to return to full fitness and form in time to earn a recall to the All Blacks lineup for the British and Irish Lions’ tour to New Zealand in June.