SBW Available for Rugby Championship Opener

Sonny Bill Williams will have served his red card ban from the second Test against the British & Irish Lions and will be eligible to face Australia in New Zealand's Rugby Championship opener on 19th August.

The update came from All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen who said the four-match suspension for a shoulder charge on Anthony Watson would be over by the series opener next month.

The Blues centre became the first All Black in 50 years to be sent off after his challenge to Watson's head during the second Test in Wellington.

Williams has already missed the third British & Irish Lions Test and final Super Rugby round for the Blues. The first two pre-season fixtures for Counties Manukau will also be included as part of his suspension.

Hansen confirmed Williams would be available when the All Blacks face the Wallabies clash in Sydney on 19th August.

''Yep, he'll be considered,'' Hansen told New Zealand's Radio Sport.