SBW: Rugby and rugby league’s first $30 million man

Retired All Black Sonny Bill Williams is poised to become the first $30 million man in rugby league and rugby union.

The Daily Telegraph reported Williams’ $10 million, two-year contract with the Toronto Wolfpack in the Super League has already made him the highest earning star in the history of the two rugby codes. It could push him towards total career earnings of $30 million.

Williams has earned more than $26 million in his 16-year football career and seven-fight boxing career, according to the report.

Combined with his long-term $2.5 million ambassadorial sponsorship deal with adidas, Williams’ earnings are set to reach $28 million by the time he sees out his deal with Toronto Wolfpack.

A reported return to the boxing ring in October, 2020, to fight either Barry Hall or Paul Gallen would reportedly push Williams to the $30 million mark.

The 34-year-old’s fortune reportedly doubles the career earnings of Melbourne Storm legend and future NRL immortal Cameron Smith, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Williams’ new $10 million deal with Toronto Wolfpack even puts him over former English rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and All Black great Dan Carter in the earnings stakes.

Williams brought the curtain down on his 58-test All Black career after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where the All Blacks finished third.

The serial code-hopper will suit up for a 10th professional team at Toronto – a figure that jumps to 13 if national sides are included.