Rugby league: Bill Williams wins spot in New Zealand squad

Former rugby league international Sonny Bill Williams was named in New Zealand coach Graham Henry's 30-man squad yesterday for the final Bledisloe Cup match and the November tour of the British Isles.

Williams had been expected to be included in the touring squad, even before he played his first game in the country after he signed an 18-month contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union with the hope of playing next year's World Cup on home soil.

Waikato fly-half Stephen Donald forced his way back into the side after he had been injured and dropped down the national pecking order behind Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade. Neither were selected for the tour.

Scrum-half Piri Weepu and utility back Israel Dagg were not considered due to injury, with Weepu breaking his ankle in a provincial game for Wellington on Saturday.

Squad: Forwards: J Afoa, A Boric, D Braid, T Donnelly, H Elliot, B Franks, O Franks, A Hore, J Kaino, R McCaw (captain), K Mealamu, L Messam, K Read, B Thorn, S Whitelock, T Woodcock. Backs: D Carter, J Cowan, S Donald, A Ellis, H Gear, C Jane, A Mathewson, M Muliaina, M Nonu, J Rokocoko, S Sivivatu, C Smith, I Toeava, S B Williams. Itinerary: 30 Oct v Australia, Hong Kong; 6 Nov v England, Twickenham; 13 Nov v Scotland, Murrayfield; 20 Nov v Ireland, Aviva Stadium; 27 Nov v Wales, Millennium Stadium