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Sonny Bill Williams explains why he gave his RWC medal to a young fan

The All Blacks centre gave his medal away after the World Cup final.

Murray Kinsella reports from Twickenham

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS strolls into the mixed zone in bare feet, with his hair still perfectly in place, a smile across his face, and tattoos all over his arms.

But for the dirty playing shorts you wouldnโ€™t really know heโ€™d just helped New Zealand to the World Cup.

Charlie Lines after Sonny Bill Williams gave him his winning medal Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

The fact that Williams doesnโ€™t have the same gold medal hanging around his neck that all of his teammates do makes it even more jarring.

The best offloader in the world did get a winnerโ€™s medal along with the rest of the All Blacks but almost immediately gave it away to a young supporter in Twickenham.

โ€œA young fella snuck on the field somehow but when he was coming up to give me a hug, he got smoked by a security guard, full-on tackled him,โ€ explains Williams.

โ€œHe was only eight and the other fella was a full-on man, so it looked like he would break his ribs or something.

The moment probably just got the better of him but he was just so excited to get on the field with the All Blacks. I thought Iโ€™d make it a night to remember for him, rather than my medal being hanging up at home or something like that.

โ€œIt will be hanging around that young guyโ€™s neck and he can tell that story for years to come. He might be a future All Black!

โ€œIโ€™m pleased that he has it because I know that heโ€™ll appreciate it. When he gets older heโ€™ll be telling his kids things like that. Thatโ€™s more special than having it hanging up on my wall at home.โ€

Charlie Lines after Sonny Bill Williams gave him his winning medal Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Williams said he doesnโ€™t think heโ€™ll come to regret the kind gesture, instead pointing out that he only had to look around at his teammatesโ€™ faces after the game for the ultimate token of what this World Cup means.

โ€œThe bonds that we have as brothers in the changing room are the most important thing,โ€ says Williams.

The medal represents the win, but going in and seeing the smiles on the boys faces, knowing that weโ€™ve accomplished something no other All Blacks team has done, is pretty special.โ€

Aside from giving away his medal, Williams also handed off another generous gift in the shape of his sensational offload for Maโ€™a Nonuโ€™s second half try.

โ€œI told him that when I saw him go through I knew he was going to score,โ€ says Williams. โ€œWe had some kind words after the game, a moment of reflection. Thereโ€™s been a lot made between me and him, about our rivalry for the jersey but itโ€™s pushed both of us and helped the team.

โ€œItโ€™s really, really happy times.โ€

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