Sonny Bill Williams Set To Be Given Special Treatment Following Sponsor Objection
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Sonny Bill Williams made his debut for the Blues during Saturday’s loss to the Highlanders with the Bank of New Zealand logo taped over on his collar.
New Zealand Rugby subsequently revealed Williams, a devout Muslim, has a “conscientious objection” clause relating to companies linked to products such as alcohol and tobacco.
In BNZ’s case it apparently related to Islam’s objection to usury, earning high interest from loans, although the player has not yet clarified his stance. Williams says he will clarify the situation during the week.
Williams is now on the brink of getting a dispensation to wear a special jersey without the logos of two of the Blues’ and New Zealand Rugby’s most significant sponsors on it.
The New Zealand Herald are reporting that Williams will be given a jersey without the BNZ and Investec logos in time for the Blues’ next match against the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Saturday. The dispensation will also apply to the Blues’ training kit, with Williams today wearing a borrowed Blues’ sweatshirt which covered said sponsors.
