Tim Nanai-Williams, born on June 12, 1989, is a New Zealand-born Samoan rugby union player who currently plays for Stade Toulousain in the Top 14. He has also represented both New Zealand and Samoa in sevens rugby.
Nanai-Williams was born in Auckland, New Zealand, to Samoan parents who had immigrated to New Zealand in the 1980s. He grew up in Manurewa, a suburb in South Auckland, and attended Manurewa High School. He participated in various sports during his school years but began playing in the First XV rugby team at the age of 14.
After school, Nanai-Williams started his domestic career playing for Counties Manukau. In 2010, he signed with the Chiefs and made his Super Rugby debut for the team. He played for the Chiefs until 2015, during which they won the Super Rugby title in 2012 and 2013.
Nanai-Williams proved to be a versatile player, covering multiple positions in the backline, including wing, outside centre, and full-back.
After the 2015 Super Rugby season, Nanai-Williams joined the Japanese Top League side Ricoh Black Rams. However, in 2017, he re-signed with the Chiefs for the Super Rugby season and also returned to Counties Manukau.
Later in 2017, he signed a three-year contract with Clermont Auvergne, a leading French club in the Top 14.
Nanai-Williams decided to change his international allegiance from New Zealand to Samoa. He represented New Zealand at secondary schools and sevens level between 2008 and 2009.
However, with limited opportunities to play for the All Blacks, he made the switch to Samoa. He became the first player to take advantage of a loophole that made him eligible for the Manu Samoa fifteen-a-side team after playing in four tournaments on the global sevens circuit.
He made his test debut for Samoa in a historic match against the All Blacks in Apia, Samoa, which was the first-ever Test match played in Samoa. Nanai-Williams represented Samoa at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. Known for his attacking prowess, speed, footwork, and versatility, he has earned a reputation as a highly skilled backline player.
Off the field, Nanai-Williams is the cousin of rugby internationals Sonny Bill Williams and Niall Williams. He also has a younger brother, Nick Williams, who played for Cardiff Blues and the Blues. Nanai-Williams has forged a successful career in rugby, playing for various teams around the world and making a significant impact both domestically and internationally.
KG905/07/2023)
Career
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Manurewa High School Left Wing |
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New Zealand 7's Fullback |
2008 - 2009 |
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Samoa 7's Inside Centre |
2014 - 2014 |
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Counties Manukau Left Wing |
2008 - 2017 |
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Chiefs Fullback |
2010 - 2018 |
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Clermont Auvergne Fullback |
2018 - 2021 |
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Black Rams Tokyo Fullback |
2016 - 2022 |
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Toulouse Fullback |
2021 - 2023 |
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Samoa Fullback |
2015 - 2023 |
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Barbarians Fullback |
2014 - 2024 |
