Sonny Bill Williams is reportedly interested in a shock move that could see the All Black join newly-promoted English Super League outfit Toronto Wolfpack, according to head coach Brian McDermott.
The Canadian side is on the hunt for big-name additions for their squad as the club looks to impress following their second-tier championship, and will look to follow up on their approach for the New Zealand international after the World Cup.
McDermott revealed he is interested to bring in a David Beckham-type player for the Wolfpack, similar to what the former England and Manchester United star did for LA Galaxy, with McDermott believing Williams could be that player.
"Sonny Bill Williams has shown interest in us and that's what it is at the moment," McDermott said.
"He's currently busy with the World Cup so I wouldn't ever dare to suggest that he is more than interested in coming but the answer wasn't a 'no' once we made contact so that's something we'd like to follow up."
The Wolfpack, who do not receive any central funding, have been backed by Australian mining magnate David Argyle since the club's formation three years ago, with Argyle in high demand for a big-name signing despite stepping down as chairman.
"Our club would want to have a name that's absolutely international that everybody would recognise and help the profile of our game, very much like David Beckham did for Major League Soccer," McDermott added.
"But he would have to be a very good player as well, he's got to be able to do the job that I want him to do. There would be no token player or just a headline-grabbing player.
"So, whoever it may be, you go mention the five highest-profile rugby players - league or union - around the world and we'd be interested and our club would get those.
"David Argyle will resource each one of those signings."
Toronto dove deep into their budget following the appointment of McDermott 12 months ago, with director of rugby Brian Noble planning on holding onto 90 per cent of the playing group that won the Wolfpack promotion.
McDermott has revealed that his side has identified several big-name targets and will look to have a number of signings confirmed by the start of pre-season training on November 10.
He’s in his mid thirties so it would be a risk signing him on big money.
Sonny Bill is always injured and always on the look out for a new contract and better pay. I can’t see him staying in rugby unless it’s playing in Japan for a year.
If we was to play for Toronto that would be a good signing and he would be great for them. Would be amazing if he went on to help them win a super league title
He’s already won 2 NRL premierships, 2 rugby world cups possibly 3, A Super rugby title, an ITM cup and the ranfury sheiks. The tri nations, the Bledisloe trophy, he went to the Olympics with sevens and he’s had 7 professional boxing fights and won all 7. Only thing he missed out on was the rugby league World Cup win in 2008. Personally I don’t like him but you have to respect him as an athlete and his accomplishments
This would be a massive signing and should boost the game over there. Argyle is the type of bloke we need in this game. He would make a great NRL CEO.
SBW would be a huge signing and if he stays healthy, will play a major roll in promoting the game of Rugby League in Canada.
Yes it would be great for the growth of World Wide Rugby League if SBW could inspire the Canadian Wolfpack to be a force in the Super League.
Only problem is if Sam Burgess retires as expected. Souths might make a play for him resulting in the superstar not joining Wolfpack.
But deep down I reckon SBW knows it is a backward club and will steer clear of the rabbit dump.