Sonny Bill Williams stood on the sidelines of a rugby pitch, surrounded by young athletes – wide-eyed, grinning, and eager to soak up his wisdom. And, of course, to snap a coveted selfie with the rugby legend.
Even amid the buzz of excited chatter, Williams exuded confidence and, most importantly, passion. Speaking to Bruneian youth, he reinforced a message he has long championed – using sport as a tool for personal growth and community development.
Last month, the former All Blacks – part of New Zealand’s national rugby union team, one of the most successful and iconic teams in the sport – spent a few days in the Sultanate.
Clad in their iconic all-black kit, the All Blacks have long been a symbol of excellence.
Williams, dressed in sleek black sportswear from a local martial arts gym at a rugby event at a university, exudes that same relentless drive, both on and off the field.
Though the exact purpose of his visit wasn’t disclosed, the boxing champion and now faith-driven activist had a packed itinerary. He attended a charity event to raise funds for Palestine, visited local gyms, and made a stop at an international Islamic school.
Despite his tight schedule, Williams, who is half Samoan and of Pākehā heritage, embraced Islam in 2009 and now serves as a pro-chancellor at Albukhary International University in Malaysia – an institution renowned for its Islamic values and commitment to education – made it a point to connect with those who look up to him.
He dedicated time to engaging with young athletes and even spared a few minutes for an interview with local media.
For Williams, this trip wasn’t just a series of engagements; it was a mission to give back, inspire and empower.
“We’ve done a boxing class. And we’ve done a rugby event too. It’s just part of our purpose – trying to give back. But I also understand, from a top-level point of view, they (local athletes) want sports to grow. That’s what I love – I love change, I love growth, I love empowerment.”
Williams is particularly passionate about creating pathways for young athletes, ensuring they can balance sporting excellence with education. During his visit, he had the opportunity to meet and speak with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.
“Speaking with the minister yesterday, they’re trying to create programmes that tick the box of performance in sports but also education. That’s crucial because sport should be a tool for empowerment, not just competition.”
During his short stay, Williams had the opportunity to engage with many local athletes. One aspect of the Sultanate that particularly stood out to him was the strong participation of women in sports.
At the rugby event, both male and female players took to the field – some even wearing headscarves, a sight he found deeply inspiring.
“It’s great. It’s very powerful to see girls in their headscarves out there doing their thing. My wife wears a headscarf, so I understand how hard it can be. I’ll say, ‘Come on, let’s go train,’ and she’ll say, ‘I want to train at home, I want to take my headscarf off.’ More power to these young women who are out there competing.”
Williams was unequivocal in his support, applauding Brunei’s balance between deep-rooted faith and the evolving role of women in sports.
“As Muslims, the first thing we live by is the guidance of Al-Quran and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the rest is all barakah. You live that way, you know where your rizq comes from. “That’s what I love about being here (in Brunei) – they are striving to follow the path of Islam but also understand that we are evolving.”
Before the interview concluded, Williams also shared his thoughts on Ramadhan, reflecting on its spiritual significance.
“Islam is about growth, asking for forgiveness, protecting oneself, chasing good deeds – because this could be our last Ramadhan. These things are the staples of a good environment and society. I look forward to it every year, spending it with my kids and wife.” – Wardi Wasil
