All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams will make the switch to sevens from next year.

The league-hopping 30-year-old is expected to feature in the All Blacks’ World Cup squad, but will then commit to the New Zealand sevens team through to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

All Blacks sevens coach Gordon Tietjens said he was excited by this prospect.

‘Sonny Bill Williams is a great athlete and has shown he can adapt very easily to the demands of rugby. I see him adjusting very well to the fast pace of sevens. He’ll be a great attacking weapon with his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload.

‘We’re really pleased he’s committed to the full season. He knows competition for places will be intense, so he’s giving himself the best chance of making the team for Rio.’

The All Blacks sevens squad will go into the new season with the services of fellow All Black Liam Messam and talented loose forwards Ardie Savea and Akira Ioane.

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