Sonny Bill Williams made a mistake in taping over a bank logo on his Blues jersey at the weekend - as he could have had it removed before the game, according to New Zealand Rugby.
Sonny Bill Williams in his Blues jersey with the BNZ logos taped over on the collar. Photo: Photosport
Williams covered up the BNZ logo on his blues jersey in their match against the Highlanders last weekend due to religious beliefs.
NZR and the Blues have now given him permission have the logos of two banks, BNZ and Investec, removed from his kit.
NZR General Manager of Rugby, Neil Sorenson, said conscientious objections have
been in the collective employment agreement for almost ten years.
"We probably wouldn't be having this discussion if he'd (Williams) just communicated better with us last week. He already had some concientious objections already in place which we were familiar with and this just came out of the blue (excuse the pun) last week so that was the key issue and the key mistake on Sonny's part."
Williams taped over sponsor BNZ's logo on his Blues jersey when the team played the Highlanders because of his religious opposition to banks. The player converted to Islam in 2008.
The NZRU and the Blues said BNZ and Investec logos will be removed from Williams' jersey in time for Saturday's match against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.
The union said Williams has now clarified his preference - which is not to wear logos from banks, alcohol brands and gambling sponsers on his uniform.
Williams said he has nothing personal against the BNZ or Investec.
He said he had no objection to advertising from insurance companies but he has been dropped from promotional activities with All Black's sponsor AIG.
"My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption.
"As I learn more, and develop a deeper understanding of my faith I am no longer comfortable doing things I used to do. So while a logo on a jersey might seem like a small thing to some people, it is important to me that I do the right thing with regards to my faith and hope that people respect that," Williams said.
Blues chief executive Michael Redman was satisfied the matter had been dealt with.
"We are pleased that this matter has been resolved promptly and wish to thank our sponsor BNZ for their accommodation of this request from Sonny."
Rugby Union general manager of rugby Neil Sorenson said Williams could have had the logos removed before the weekend game, as a clause for conscientious objection had been in the collective employment agreement for almost 10 years.
Williams' mistake was in not communicating with the union better before the weekend match. "He already had some conscientious objections in place which we were familiar with and this just came out of the blue last week."
-RNZ
