Sonny Bill Williams' jersey sponsor cover up attracts international attention

Sonny Bill Williams has gained global headlines with his decision to cover up the bank logos on the collar of his Blues jersey.

The rugby superstar, who gave no warning of his actions as he appeared off the Blues bench last Saturday, is yet to explain his stance but if his intention was to draw attention to the issue, he has certainly achieved that.

The story has been followed closely in Australia and South Africa, the partnering countries to New Zealand in Super Rugby, but the issue has gone wider than that.

The Irish Times noted Williams' stance in their latest rugby wrap and drew an analogy with boxing legend Muhammad Ali in a piece headlined: SBW – Islam versus Banking.

"Sonny Bill Williams is not quite the greatest, nor is he a draft dodger, but Muhammad Ali-lite he appears to have become with his latest decision to remain true to the faith of Islam," the Irish Times began their report.

They noted that "SBW – his initials being a brand in themselves – has worn the bank logo on jerseys while playing for other New Zealand franchises".

It has been assumed that Williams' conscientious objection lodged with New Zealand Rugby centres around his Islamic faith and its principles opposing the charging of interest rates by banks.

Williams was this year named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.

The Daily Mail in the UK ran a lengthy piece in their news section and they noted that Williams wasn't alone with his stance.

"It's not the first time a Muslim sports star has refused to play in a sponsored jersey due to Islamic beliefs," they reported.

"Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed was granted his request not to wear the logo of brewing company VB on his jersey in 2013.

"In the same year, soccer star Papiss Cisse refused to play for Newcastle United when they unveiled loan company Wonga as their main shirt sponsor."

Italy's specialist rugby website rugby1823 carried the story and noted that Williams didn't appear to have an issue with the All Blacks main sponsor, American insurance giant AIG.

The Irish-based Pundit Arena followed New Zealand reports that Williams was likely to be given a special jersey and training gear by the Blues which won't feature the BNZ logos on the front collar and also will have Super Rugby sponsor Investec removed from the sleeve.

The Irish Examiner included coverage of the story in its latest editions.

Rugby and religious publications in Paris also drew attention to the issue given William's popularity there from his time playing for Toulon.

Statements from the relevant parties clarifying the messy situation were expected on Tuesday but never eventuated.

 

Photo By: Getty Images  (Sonny Bill Williams has collared the rugby media market again with a brief but controversial reappearance for the Blues)