SBW could be back this year

The All Blacks have left the door open to pick Sonny Bill Williams for their end of year tour.

Williams has signed with the Chiefs for 2015 but has indicated he may be keen to get back into rugby as soon as his NRL commitments finish in either September or October this year.

Counties, who have signed Williams for 2015 and 2016, have confirmed they would be happy to play him if he came back this year. And New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew has said Williams would only need to play 10 minutes in theory to satisfy the All Black selection eligibility criteria of having played in the preceding domestic competition.

Ultimately, though the decision will come down to All Black coach Steve Hansen who says everything will depend on the physical and mental state of Williams once he signs off with the Roosters. The All Blacks play their final Rugby Championship match – at Ellis Park - on the same weekend as the NRL grand final, then the Wallabies in Brisbane on October 18, before heading to Chicago for a test on November 1.

“If he’s coming back it depends on what time of year he gets back and what condition he is in,” said Hansen.

“There are so many variables that we will have to wait and see. Is it right for the team to bring him straight back in..? Is there are a need for the team to have him straight back in?

“All of these things have to be taken into consideration and at this time of the year... we don’t know the answers.”

The All Blacks are expected to take 31 players on their end of year tour.