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All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams hints at Blues exit after 2019 season

The 2019 Super Rugby season begins on February 15 with every game live on Sky Sports

Sonny Bill Williams of the Blues during the Super Rugby match between Emirates Lions and Blues at Emirates Airline Park on March 10, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Image: Sonny Bill Williams joined the Blues in 2017

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has indicated that this year could be his last at the Blues.

Williams, a two-times Rugby World Cup winner, is out of contract following the global showpiece in Japan later this year and turns 34 in August.

He had previously hinted that he might look to return to rugby league or seek out a coaching career at the end of his contract.

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When asked if this could be his final season with his hometown club, Williams said: "It could be. If I did finish at the end of the year, as long as I competed every day and put my best foot forward as a person and a player, I'll be happy."

Ma'a Nonu (right) is congratulated by Sonny Bill Williams (middle) and Dan Carter after scoring New Zealand's seventh try against Tonga
Image: Williams will be reunited with former All Blacks team-mate Ma'a Nonu at the Blues this season

Williams is a certainty for Steve Hansen's Rugby World Cup squad, pending any injuries, something he recognised had blighted him over the last two seasons.

He tore his Achilles while playing sevens at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and has battled with wrist, knee, hand and shoulder injuries since.

The inside centre, however, said that he was now back at full fitness and was hoping to get through 2019 injury free.

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"For the last two years I've been so methodical with my planning and preparation," he said. "Every off-season: 'A, B, C, D and I'm going to get to E'.

"It starts here with the Blues. I want us to have a successful year. I want the boys to succeed."

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams celebrates winning the Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham, London.
Image: Williams has won back-to-back World Cups with New Zealand

Williams added he would be available for selection for the Blues for their opening Super Rugby match with the Crusaders at Eden Park on February 16, live on Sky Sports Action.

He was also relishing the competition for places at the Blues, with fellow World Cup-winning centre Ma'a Nonu back in New Zealand rugby with the Auckland-based franchise after three seasons with Toulon.

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Both prefer to play in the No 12 jersey but Williams said they were quite comfortable in the same midfield if required.

"We've always had a good friendship. It's no secret that we've always competed for the same position, we're out here competing as you can see but we're laughing and bringing out the best in each other as well," he said.

"I feel like some of the best games we've played for the All Blacks have been together. I don't think that will be an issue."

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