All Black Ali Williams announces retirement

Toulon, France: All Black legend Ali Williams vowed to spend his time fishing and hunting after announcing his retirement from rugby on Thursday.

The 33-year-old former New Zealand international lock joined European and French champions Toulon at the beginning of last season after a career spent with the Blues and Crusaders.

Williams won the Super Rugby title with the Blues in 2003 and the Crusaders in 2008 as well as the World Cup with New Zealand in 2011.

Since making his debut in a 31-28 defeat to England at Twickenham in November 2002, he made 77 test appearances for the All Blacks, scoring seven tries.

He thus becomes the third World Cup winner playing for Toulon to announce his retirement in the last year.

England legend Jonny Wilkinson and South African forward Danie Rossouw, World Cup winners in 2003 and 2007 respectively, quit the game following Toulon`s double last season.

South Africa lock Bakkies Botha could take that to four if, as expected, he also decides to call it a day at the end of this season, or indeed, after the World Cup in September and October.

Another former New Zealand international, prop Carl Hayman, the current club captain, has already said he will retire at the season`s end while fellow former All Black back-rower Chris Masoe is rumoured to be considering quitting too.