Williams acclaimed as a positive image of Islam

Sonny Bill Williams, a practising Muslim, has been hailed for showing the world the virtues of Islam in trying times.

Williams will face the Lions in Auckland Blues colours tomorrow provided he shakes off a knee complaint – and team-mate Steven Luatua praised the 31-year-old centre for blooming into a role model.

Auckland-born Williams, who switched codes from rugby league to help the All Blacks claim consecutive World Cups, while also finding time to land a heavyweight boxing title, is now back on home turf with Tana Umaga’s Blues, and Luatua believes his positive image of Islam is vital.

“He displays his faith to the world, on an international stage, and I think that’s important in these times,” said Luatua. “For a lot of us from religious backgrounds, we’ve got to this point because of our faith, because of our beliefs.

“So, for him to display that on an international stage, to display who he is, not change for anyone, I think that’s all credit to him. I’m a Christian man, I have my flaws, but I guess that’s the whole point of asking for forgiveness.

“I do believe religion really helps with the rigour and discipline of succeeding in sport.”

Williams is fasting for Ramadan – although he insisted it did not hinder his rugby preparation.

“I find the fasting easier with footy-based training, and I just push back the weights until I break the fast,” he said. “We’re lucky that we only fast for nine to 10 hours in this part of the world because of the daylight.

“The first week of fasting is the toughest and then after that you start to get used to it.”