Tim Nanai-Williams
Versatile Chiefs back Tim Nanai-Williams, while pushing for qualification to play for Samoa, could be forced to choose club over country.
The 25-year-old is pursuing a loophole through the international Sevens circuit that will allow him to play for Samoa at the World Cup later this year because his parents were born in the islands.
If his Chiefs team make a deep run in the Super Rugby play-offs however, he will miss the historic test match between the All Blacks and Samoa in Apia this July.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made it clear that Nanai-Williams will be putting his franchise first in the event of a clash as they will still be in the Super Rugby window.
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“We have given him the opportunity to play a couple of Sevens tournaments already. He’s probably going to play in Wellington.
“He’ll probably go to Glasgow on our bye week and that allows him to go to the World Cup with Samoa. But ultimately if we are in the play-offs, his commitment is here.”
Nanai-Williams is happy with that arrangement as he chases a third Super Rugby title with the Chiefs.
“I need to do my work here before I go anywhere else. These guys are calling the shots and I’m signed here until the campaign is finished.
“They have given me the opportunity to go and qualify for Samoa so for me to turn around and say I don’t want to play the last game would be a slap in the face.”
The utility back, who has played 68 games for the franchise, is also weighing up whether to head offshore, with a number of overseas clubs chasing his services.
“I’m just having a look with my agent at the moment and trying to figure out what I want to do over the next couple of years.
“All rugby players are looking for the best options offshore and if my family is happy I’m happy,” Nanai-Williams said.