HE'S BACK: Sonny Bill Williams has signed a two-year deal with the NZRU and the Chiefs and will return to rugby in 2015.

Sonny Bill Williams has signed a two-year deal with the NZRU and the Chiefs and will return to rugby in 2015.

The 19-test All Blacks was widely rumoured to have been considering a switch back to rugby before a last-minute change of heart had him sign on for another year with NRL champions, the Sydney Roosters.

"Sonny showed in his two years with New Zealand rugby that he is an outstanding talent and was a real asset to our game," said New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew.

JOHN SELKIRK/Fairfax Media HE'S BACK: Sonny Bill Williams has signed a two-year deal with the NZRU and the Chiefs and will return to rugby in 2015.

"We are delighted to have agreed terms, which will see him return to rugby in 2015."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, who has lead the Hamilton-based franchise to back-to-back Super Rugby titles was equally happy.

"We're rapt. We made no secret that we were keen to get Sonny back in a Chiefs jersey," he said.

"He's not only a quality player but adds huge value to our environment off the field."

Tew said while the Chiefs will be the primary focus when he returns, Williams had also been open about his desire to push for a spot in the All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad in 2015 and to make himself available for selection in the All Blacks Sevens team as they push towards the Rio Olympics in 2016.

"We think it is great that he has made his aspirations clear and if he plays well enough to be considered for selection for those teams, then that is fantastic."