Former All Blacks lock Ali Williams has announced his retirement from a career he bravely extended through injury struggles and says he is happy to be able to bow out a champion.

The 33-year-old has finished his time at French giants Toulon, walking away with winner's medals from the 2014 French Top 14 and European Cup.

Champion: Former All Blacks lock Ali Williams has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 33. Credit:Getty Images

Add that to his long list of achievements in New Zealand – Super Rugby titles with the Blues in 2003 and the Crusaders in 2008 and a 2011 World Cup win with the All Blacks – and Williams is happy to finally take time away from the game to pursue his loves of hunting and fishing.

Williams, who fought back from leg injuries that would have finished players with less commitment, said his body had finally told him it was time to hang up his boots.