Green and Whites Fan

New Zealand forward Ali Williams, who has been working his way back to full fitness playing with Nottingham the past month, says he has been won over by the club. “I’m definitely a Nottingham fan. The shirt will take pride of place on my mantelpiece in my bar,” Williams said. “I wish the club all the best and I know that if they set their sights high they will achieve great honours.” Given his 61 caps for the All Blacks and his reputation as a joker, the comment could be taken tongue-in-cheek, but the 6ft 7in second row clearly holds a soft spot for the city. “I’ve loved my time here in Nottingham,” he said. “The lads are a special bunch of guys with a lot of character — Green & Whites all the way.” Williams will be 30 when New Zealand hosts the World Cup this autumn, and it is likely to be his third and final chance of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy.