News

Williams facing contempt of court charges

August 08 2008

Former Canterbury star Sonny Bill Williams will be in contempt of court if he takes to the field for French rugby union club Toulon on Friday.

A Supreme Court judge in Australia has ruled Williams has been adequately served with court papers as his former club fights desperately to halt his code switch.

The 23-year-old walked out on the Bulldogs last month to join Tana Umaga's team in France just one year into a five-year deal.

The court documents were reportedly tossed onto the Toulon training ground as Williams prepared for the friendly against Hyeres.

The paperwork orders Williams to appear in court.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said the issue highlighted the importance of contracts in sport.

"There have been numerous attempts to distract the game from the fundamental issue, which is that a contract is a binding commitment on the part of both the player and the club," Gallop said.

"It protects both parties and places responsibilities on both parties.

"The issuing of a NSW Supreme Court order in respect of those responsibilities should provide a stark reminder to Sonny Bill of the importance of him observing the terms of his contract.

"It is a very serious matter for such an order to be granted and anyone who breaks an order of the NSW Supreme Court would face contempt proceedings from that court."

Williams was named on Friday in an enlarged New Zealand squad for the rugby league World Cup.