The All Blacks have denied speculation that Sonny Bill Williams may be ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury.

The rumours started when former World Cup commentator Hamish McKay cited a ‘trustworthy’ source and suggested that Williams would soon be heading home, with Ngani Laumape expected to replace him.

Williams is suffering from a calf injury, which saw him miss the All Blacks’ final warm-up match against Tonga, but management told media in Japan that Williams is not returning to New Zealand.

However, they have not yet elaborated on Williams’ injury status and whether he is in doubt for the All Blacks’ opening clash against the Springboks in Yokohama this Saturday.

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