Samoa switch for Williams could hit England in opener
ENGLAND could kick off their 2021World Cup campaign against Sonny Bill Williams at St James’ Park after being drawn with Samoa yesterday.
New Toronto signing Williams – included in a Wolfpack squad for the first time for Sunday’s friendly clash at Castleford – is understood to be considering switching nations for the 16-team tournament.
The 34-year-old has 12 caps for New Zealand and featured in the 2013World Cup final at Old Trafford for the Kiwis. But he also qualifies for Samoa through his father’s heritage, with rugby league eligibility rules allowing players to change between tier one and two nations.
That has raised the possibility of him lining up opposite England in next year’s opening game in the North-East on October 23, a prospect RFL rugby director Kevin Sinfield says is appealing. Sinfield, who played against-Williams in the 2013 semi-final at Wembley, said: “It’d be great if he could play for New Zealand or Samoa.
“He’ll make that choice but it makes Samoa more of a threat with him in the side.”
England will also face France and Greece, with the latter making their World Cup debut.
Sinfield said of Greece: “They’ll be something that’s unknown and a banana skin for everyone in that group.”
Wales have been handed the unenviable task of facing three Pacific Island nations in what looks the toughest group.
In the Women’s World Cup – which runs alongside the men’s event and will be part of a double-header at Old Trafford for the finals – England will face Papua New Guinea, Canada and Brazil.