SONNY BILL Williams has engaged a European agent to help him sort through expressions of interest from two codes in five countries.
The agent, who does not want to be named, has talked to the New Zealand Rugby Union but said Toulon desperately wanted to retain Williams and that there had also been inquiries from English clubs.
Williams is also understood to have been approached by Japanese rugby union, and the Warriors, Knights and Raiders have all declared they want him back in the NRL.
However, the 24-year-old former Bulldogs star is unlikely to decide on his future until after the final of France's Top 14 rugby union competition next month.
"I am speaking with the New Zealand Rugby Union but the talks are in the very early stages," the agent said. "They have expressed interest in him and are keen to get him back, like they are with any of their international players playing overseas.
"But at the moment he wants to focus on his rugby with Toulon and they are very keen for him to stay. He is playing some really good rugby at the moment and starting to get his hands on the ball a lot more, and the team is going well. At this stage they should have a home quarter-final."
Williams is also eligible to play for Samoa and the Wallabies in the 2011 World Cup and may qualify for France on residency grounds if he re-signs with Toulon.
The club's owner, Mourad Boudjellal, told the Herald last month he would be prepared to enter an arrangement to ensure Williams was available for the All Blacks if he stayed in Toulon for a third season, but if that was unacceptable to the NZRU, he could play for France.
English clubs are also chasing Williams, who helped Toulon eliminate Welsh outfit the Scarlets from Europe's Amlin Cup at the weekend, but the agent said: "There are a few but I doubt they could afford him."
Williams scored a try and played a starring role at outside-centre in Toulon's 38-12 defeat of the Scarlets, prompting one Welsh media outlet to describe him as "the most naturally gifted player in either code in the game at the moment".
While there has been speculation that the lure of playing for the All Blacks in next year's World Cup would entice Williams to return to his native New Zealand, forward Carl Hayman â€" widely regarded as the code's best tight-head prop â€" recently turned down the opportunity to do so and signed with Toulon.
Asked when he expected Williams to make a decision, the agent said: "Probably not until late May or June.
"I think the [Top 14] final is on May 29 and I doubt if he will make a commitment before then."
Meanwhile, Mark Gasnier's prospects of remaining with Stade Francais could be boosted with the Parisian club set to launch an ambitious recruitment drive that may feature Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll.
Gasnier is considering a move to the Melbourne Rebels or Western Force for next season, but Stade's signing of Australian coach Michael Cheika from Leinster has signalled their championship ambitions.
O'Driscoll also plays for Leinster and hinted he might follow his coach to Paris next season.
"If the situation arose, I'd certainly be open to the idea of it," he told the Irish Independent.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
The agent, who does not want to be named, has talked to the New Zealand Rugby Union but said Toulon desperately wanted to retain Williams and that there had also been inquiries from English clubs.
Williams is also understood to have been approached by Japanese rugby union, and the Warriors, Knights and Raiders have all declared they want him back in the NRL.
However, the 24-year-old former Bulldogs star is unlikely to decide on his future until after the final of France's Top 14 rugby union competition next month.
"I am speaking with the New Zealand Rugby Union but the talks are in the very early stages," the agent said. "They have expressed interest in him and are keen to get him back, like they are with any of their international players playing overseas.
"But at the moment he wants to focus on his rugby with Toulon and they are very keen for him to stay. He is playing some really good rugby at the moment and starting to get his hands on the ball a lot more, and the team is going well. At this stage they should have a home quarter-final."
Williams is also eligible to play for Samoa and the Wallabies in the 2011 World Cup and may qualify for France on residency grounds if he re-signs with Toulon.
The club's owner, Mourad Boudjellal, told the Herald last month he would be prepared to enter an arrangement to ensure Williams was available for the All Blacks if he stayed in Toulon for a third season, but if that was unacceptable to the NZRU, he could play for France.
English clubs are also chasing Williams, who helped Toulon eliminate Welsh outfit the Scarlets from Europe's Amlin Cup at the weekend, but the agent said: "There are a few but I doubt they could afford him."
Williams scored a try and played a starring role at outside-centre in Toulon's 38-12 defeat of the Scarlets, prompting one Welsh media outlet to describe him as "the most naturally gifted player in either code in the game at the moment".
While there has been speculation that the lure of playing for the All Blacks in next year's World Cup would entice Williams to return to his native New Zealand, forward Carl Hayman â€" widely regarded as the code's best tight-head prop â€" recently turned down the opportunity to do so and signed with Toulon.
Asked when he expected Williams to make a decision, the agent said: "Probably not until late May or June.
"I think the [Top 14] final is on May 29 and I doubt if he will make a commitment before then."
Meanwhile, Mark Gasnier's prospects of remaining with Stade Francais could be boosted with the Parisian club set to launch an ambitious recruitment drive that may feature Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll.
Gasnier is considering a move to the Melbourne Rebels or Western Force for next season, but Stade's signing of Australian coach Michael Cheika from Leinster has signalled their championship ambitions.
O'Driscoll also plays for Leinster and hinted he might follow his coach to Paris next season.
"If the situation arose, I'd certainly be open to the idea of it," he told the Irish Independent.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
