It seems an unlikely headline, but there are not one but two links between the Dolphin No 8 jersey and Samoa.
Rolling back the years to Dolphin’s first season in AIL Division One – 1997/98. They worked hard on strengthening the squad and reached out as far as Auckland for a No 8. Having played for New Zealand U17, New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand U 19’s at the age of 24 he decided to go for his OE (overseas experience) He joined Dolphin for a season (then only 13 AIL games ) he made his debut v Garryowen in game 2, scoring a last minute match winning try, in total he played 11 AIL games , scoring 2 tries.
He returned to New Zealand to Southland where he played for five seasons and represented the New Zealand Maori, followed by four years with North Harbour where he was later Head Coach when they won the Mitre 10 Championship. He was forwards coach for the Blues before taking over as Head Coach of Samoa.
Munster also reached out for an Auckland No 8- Nick Williams in 2008, in his two years with Munster he made 19 appearances. Foreign players were allocated to clubs at that time, and he made seven AIL appearances for Dolphin. His younger brother Tim Nanai Williams is presently appearing for Samoa in Japan. Which member of the Williams family Dolphin supporters like to see playing for them, maybe their cousin, Sonny Bill.