Nick Williams (rugby union)

Nick Williams (born 2 December 1983) is a retired rugby union player. A number 8, Williams played for North Harbour and the Blues in his native New Zealand, before moving to Europe and playing for Munster, Aironi, Ulster and Cardiff Blues before retiring in 2020.^[1]

Nick Williams

Date of birth	(1983-12-02) 2 December 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth	Auckland, New Zealand
Height	1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight	130 kg (20 st; 290 lb)
Notable relative(s)	Tim Nanai-Williams (brother) Sonny Bill Williams (cousin) Joseph Parker (cousin)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number 8 Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2008–2010 2010–2012 2012–2016 2016–2020 Munster Aironi Ulster Cardiff Blues 19 34 76 77 (20) (50) (80) (65) Correct as of 29 August 2020 Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 2004–2008 North Harbour 33 (40) Super Rugby Years Team Apps (Points) 2004–2008 Blues 37 (20) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2005–2006 Junior All Blacks 4 (15) Correct as of 27 January 2013

Career

Williams initially played rugby league, changing to rugby union in his late teens. He then progressed to play for North Harbour as well as representing New Zealand in Under 21's. He then went on to play for the Blues in the Super 14, and was selected for the Junior All Blacks.

Williams played for Munster in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup for two seasons. He made 19 appearances for Munster and scored four tries, including a hat-trick against the Newport Gwent Dragons. He joined Aironi on a one-year deal for the 2010–11 season.^[2]

On 22 June 2012, Williams signed for Ulster on a two-year deal after leaving Aironi. On the signing, David Humphreys the Ulster Director of Rugby, said Williams would add a great deal to the Ulster squad.^[3] On 23 December 2015, Williams would join Welsh team Cardiff Blues on a three-year contract from the 2016–17 season.^[4] Williams retired from rugby in August 2020.^[1]

Honours

Munster

• Celtic League (1): 2008–09

Cardiff Blues

• European Rugby Challenge Cup (1): 2017–18

Junior All Blacks

• Pacific Nations Cup (1): 2006

Individual

• Pro12 Player of the Season (1): 2012–13^[5]
• IRUPA Players' Player of the Year (1): 2013^[6]

Personal life

As one of eight children, Nick grew up in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Williams is the older brother of Clermont Auvergene back Tim Nanai-Williams. He is the first cousin of Blues centre Sonny Bill Williams and the second cousin of boxer Joseph Parker.