Sonny Bill Williams gives Hong Kong Sevens runner’s up prize to young New Zealand fan
All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has been praised on social media for what is fast becoming a trademark gesture at the Hong Kong Sevens over the weekend.
After his side lost Sunday’s cup final to Fiji, All Blacks fan Coop Rodda’s family asked for a ‘selfie’ with the former NRL star.
The 30-year-old not only obliged but went one better, gifting his runner’s up tankard to the delighted youngster.
Williams was labelled „a bloody legend” by the boy’s mother, Tan Guerin, who posted pictures of the moment on her Facebook page.
„Ok, so yesterday Sonny Bill Williams signed Coops autograph book and we were absolutely thrilled!!! Can I tell you what he did today… NZ lost to Fiji in HK 7’s and after they collected their own runner up cups, the team walked past us and I called out to Sonny to have a selfie with us. Not only did he take the selfie, he gave Coops his runner up cup!!!! What a bloody legend!!!”
The former Sydney Roosters forward’s gesture stirred up memories of the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, when he gave his winner’s medal to a young boy who was tackled by a security guard after running on the field.
He was also praised for comforting devastated Springbok Jesse Kriel following their loss to the All Blacks in the semi-final at the same tournament.
