Sonny Bill Williams is set to make his sevens debut in Wellington at the end of January.

The injury-hit New Zealand Sevens are desperately in need of reinforcements after a difficult start to the 2015-16 season, and it should pave the way for Williams to make his first appearance in the third leg of the tournament over the weekend of 30-31 January.

‘He could be in Wellington, and more than likely will be in Wellington,’ New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens said. ‘He's got a challenge, a dream and a goal, and it is to go to the Olympics, and to be the best that he can be. Even though he is an All Black, and a World Cup-winning All Black on a couple of occasions, this game of sevens is new to him. He is nervous, but he is also coming into this team with a lot of confidence.’

Tietjens said Williams had made a very positive impression over a recent three-day camp.

‘It is just his ability to want to learn, and he's so professional and he's very infectious. The players just want to follow him. They just learn from him, there is so much to learn from Sonny Bill Williams and the professional footballer he is. He works very, very hard and has that work ethic.’

Tietjens wants Williams in the forwards, although there would be chances to use him in the backs, while he also confirmed that there is a possibility that fellow World Cup winner Liam Messam could also feature in Wellington.

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